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Painted Fire: A spine tingling thriller guaranteed to keep you up all night.
Actress Kate Tolle falls victim to an illness that baffles the medical world.
In desperation her husband Ben appeals to the public, and an anonymous benefactor comes forward. Soon the couple find themselves on a flight bound for San Francisco.
Where the enigmatic Merle is waiting.
Kate’s health appears to improve as people around her die horrifically. Merle tells Ben that healing comes at a price and questions what he’s willing to pay.
But what does Merle want?
And what is the chilling truth waiting out in the desert ... in Las Vegas and beyond?
In desperation her husband Ben appeals to the public, and an anonymous benefactor comes forward. Soon the couple find themselves on a flight bound for San Francisco.
Where the enigmatic Merle is waiting.
Kate’s health appears to improve as people around her die horrifically. Merle tells Ben that healing comes at a price and questions what he’s willing to pay.
But what does Merle want?
And what is the chilling truth waiting out in the desert ... in Las Vegas and beyond?
304 pages, Paperback
Published September 12, 2022
4 people want to read
About the author
Mark L. Fowler
20 books28 followersMark writes in a number of genres, including detective crime fiction, psychological thrillers, and Gothic fantasy.
He is the author of the popular Tyler & Mills detective crime series set in Staffordshire in the noughties. RED IS THE COLOUR was shortlisted for the 2018 Arnold Bennett Prize and begins with the grim discovery of a schoolboy who disappeared thirty years earlier. BLUE MURDER involves a missing singer and a murdered guitarist, elevating an obscure band to sudden fame and fortune. THE DEVIL WORE BLACK unveils the mystery of a crucified priest. THE SMELL OF COPPER, finds Tyler out on a limb as the detectives uncover police corruption. SCARLET RIBBONS investigates the brutal murder of a sex worker. The latest book in the series, BLOOD ORANGE, concerns the death of a local greengrocer. All the books can be read as standalone crime novels.
Other detective mysteries include THE BATHROOM MURDERS. A series of women are found hacked to death while taking a shower. This is the first in a new series set in Manchester, featuring female detective Charlie Reed and her sidekick Paul Rigsby.
TWIST has the eponymous private investigator returning, against his better judgement, to the city of nightmares to look into the strange case of a dead philosophy student.
THE MAN UPSTAIRS introduces hard boiled Frank Miller, discovering he’s a fictional detective and that his author is plotting to kill him. This is the first in a series of crime fantasy novels, and the second book in the series has now been published: THE POISONED EYE OF A LOVING GOD,
Mark also writes psychological thrillers. SILVER finds journalist and crime writer Nick Slater obsessed with an unpublished manuscript that a best-selling author was working on when she was murdered, and which her family refuse to publish.
SEXTET explores the twisted rivalry between twin sisters, the weird games they played as children, and the rising murder rate in a small English town.
COFFIN MAKER is a Gothic tale. Death is sent two apprentices amid warnings from an out-of-favour priest that the devil has arrived on Earth.
PAINTED FIRE finds a writer travelling to America’s West Coast in a desperate bid to find a cure for a baffling illness afflicting his wife. An anonymous benefactor has offered to help, but at what price?
He is the author of the popular Tyler & Mills detective crime series set in Staffordshire in the noughties. RED IS THE COLOUR was shortlisted for the 2018 Arnold Bennett Prize and begins with the grim discovery of a schoolboy who disappeared thirty years earlier. BLUE MURDER involves a missing singer and a murdered guitarist, elevating an obscure band to sudden fame and fortune. THE DEVIL WORE BLACK unveils the mystery of a crucified priest. THE SMELL OF COPPER, finds Tyler out on a limb as the detectives uncover police corruption. SCARLET RIBBONS investigates the brutal murder of a sex worker. The latest book in the series, BLOOD ORANGE, concerns the death of a local greengrocer. All the books can be read as standalone crime novels.
Other detective mysteries include THE BATHROOM MURDERS. A series of women are found hacked to death while taking a shower. This is the first in a new series set in Manchester, featuring female detective Charlie Reed and her sidekick Paul Rigsby.
TWIST has the eponymous private investigator returning, against his better judgement, to the city of nightmares to look into the strange case of a dead philosophy student.
THE MAN UPSTAIRS introduces hard boiled Frank Miller, discovering he’s a fictional detective and that his author is plotting to kill him. This is the first in a series of crime fantasy novels, and the second book in the series has now been published: THE POISONED EYE OF A LOVING GOD,
Mark also writes psychological thrillers. SILVER finds journalist and crime writer Nick Slater obsessed with an unpublished manuscript that a best-selling author was working on when she was murdered, and which her family refuse to publish.
SEXTET explores the twisted rivalry between twin sisters, the weird games they played as children, and the rising murder rate in a small English town.
COFFIN MAKER is a Gothic tale. Death is sent two apprentices amid warnings from an out-of-favour priest that the devil has arrived on Earth.
PAINTED FIRE finds a writer travelling to America’s West Coast in a desperate bid to find a cure for a baffling illness afflicting his wife. An anonymous benefactor has offered to help, but at what price?
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 31, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.
Painted Fire is the first book by Mark L. Fowler that I've had the pleasure to read and I can definitely say it won't be the last!
We follow the main protagonist Ben Tolle who's famous actress wife Kate has been struck with a mysterious illness that is baffling the medical world. After appealing for help the couple receive help from an anonymous donor who flys the couple out to San Francisco. This is where the meet Merle who seems to have magic at his disposal and creates miracles. But who is Merle and what does he gain from this and what is the true cost of his help? This book was one I flew through with short chapters and so much happening it was hard to pull away from! This is such a unique read that leaves you thinking one word by the end - Wow! There's something for every reader in this book from romance and mystery to murder, suspense and fantasy elements. Definitely a book I highly recommend.
Painted Fire is the first book by Mark L. Fowler that I've had the pleasure to read and I can definitely say it won't be the last!
We follow the main protagonist Ben Tolle who's famous actress wife Kate has been struck with a mysterious illness that is baffling the medical world. After appealing for help the couple receive help from an anonymous donor who flys the couple out to San Francisco. This is where the meet Merle who seems to have magic at his disposal and creates miracles. But who is Merle and what does he gain from this and what is the true cost of his help? This book was one I flew through with short chapters and so much happening it was hard to pull away from! This is such a unique read that leaves you thinking one word by the end - Wow! There's something for every reader in this book from romance and mystery to murder, suspense and fantasy elements. Definitely a book I highly recommend.
August 31, 2022
If you are after a book that is full of twists and turns then this is the book for you. It had me hooked, because it was an unpredictable read, it wasn't boring or slow, it was fast and interesting with so many points to keep pulling you back too it.
The characters are very well described and you do feel a lot of emotions while reading this book which gives the book great depth. Brilliantly written it will not be the last I read of this author!
The characters are very well described and you do feel a lot of emotions while reading this book which gives the book great depth. Brilliantly written it will not be the last I read of this author!
September 1, 2022
I’ve said before with Mark Fowler’s books that you never know what you’re going to get. This applies here in spades. A young actress, apparently dying from a mystery ailment, and a – person? magician? charlatan? – offering his help to save her. The story is mystical, almost mythic, and takes place largely in a dream-like environment leaving you wondering what’s true and what isn’t. The ending is unexpected and really hits you. It’s a book you’ll definitely think about afterwards.
August 28, 2022
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Painted Fire' by Mark L. Fowler .
Read and reviewed for ZooLoos Book Tours, Spellbound Books and Mark L. Fowler.
Publication date 25th August 2022.
This is the first book I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Spellbound Books. I have yet to read a book published by Spellbound Books that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue, 24 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in San Francisco and Las Vegas, USA 🇺🇸 .
This book is written in first person perspective with the main protagonist being Ben Tolle. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them. If there are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on.
This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions that really set the scene and kept me on the edge of my seat. The cover and synopsis suited the storyline perfectly.
OMG!!! MIND ABSOLUTELY BLOWN!!!!
Love, LOVE, LOVED this absolute page turner!! It may be the first book I have read by Mark but I can promise you it won't be the last!!! As soon as I've written this up I'm off to add all his books to my wishlist. This book is actually extremely hard to review as I need to be very careful not to give anything away. It is filled with fantasy, romance, murder, secrets, magic and just a little bit of everything!!! I could not put it down!!! Each chapter when I decided I'd put it down and go back to it something would happen leading to me needing to read just one more which continued to happen until I had finished the book. I was just absolutely hooked!! However, as much as I loved the storyline I did struggle with some parts that I couldn't understand what was going on or I found the sentences too confusing for me. There wasn't too many parts like this too stop me enjoying the book but it is my reason for giving 4.5 instead of 5/5 stars. However as you can't give half stars I will be rounding it up to 5 as it is too good for a 4! Anyway, back to the positives. The storyline itself is completely unique, I have never come across anything like it before and I doubt I will in the future. It is absolutely filled with suspense and tension with a gothic and horror vibe thrown in. There were several parts where I felt the hairs on my arms raise and my heart pounding!! I absolutely LOVED the (again, very unique) extremely unexpected and completely mind blowing ending, an explosive end to a fantastic page turner!!
DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT READING THIS UNTIL YOU HAVE CLEARED YOUR SCHEDULES AS YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN!!!
The characters were well defined and strong. I can't say too much about them as if I do I really will spoil the story. I really liked Ben and was completely invested in him. My heart went out to him on so many occasions, at the end of the day everything he was doing was out of love and hope. Merle is an absolutely fascinating character and I really didn't know how to feel about him!! There were parts where I thought he was kind hearted and honest and others where I was dubious of him and he angered me. That is all I am going to say about them as I want to leave future readers make up their own minds.
A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Mark on what promises to be a massive best seller!!! I WAS absolutely shocked by so many events but OMG that ending was absolutely shocking!!! I can't say anything else but when you've read it you'll know!!! Regardless of the fact that there were parts I struggled with I am looking forward to reading more books by Mark and eagerly await his next success 🥂
Overall a unique, addictive, mind blowing page turner that will keep you up with a racing heart until you've finished!!!
Genres covered in this book include Medical Fiction, Spiritual Literature & Fiction, Fiction, Thriller, and Medical Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of anyone who loves books that will blow their minds .
294 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 4.5 rounded to 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#PaintedFire #SpellboundBooks #SpellBoundBks #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #ZooLoosBookTours #MarkLFowler
@Bookworm86 @bookworm1986 @ZooLoosBT @MarkLFowler @MFowlerauthor @SpellBoundBks @SpellboundBooks
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhi...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3...
Review for 'Painted Fire' by Mark L. Fowler .
Read and reviewed for ZooLoos Book Tours, Spellbound Books and Mark L. Fowler.
Publication date 25th August 2022.
This is the first book I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Spellbound Books. I have yet to read a book published by Spellbound Books that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue, 24 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in San Francisco and Las Vegas, USA 🇺🇸 .
This book is written in first person perspective with the main protagonist being Ben Tolle. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them. If there are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on.
This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions that really set the scene and kept me on the edge of my seat. The cover and synopsis suited the storyline perfectly.
OMG!!! MIND ABSOLUTELY BLOWN!!!!
Love, LOVE, LOVED this absolute page turner!! It may be the first book I have read by Mark but I can promise you it won't be the last!!! As soon as I've written this up I'm off to add all his books to my wishlist. This book is actually extremely hard to review as I need to be very careful not to give anything away. It is filled with fantasy, romance, murder, secrets, magic and just a little bit of everything!!! I could not put it down!!! Each chapter when I decided I'd put it down and go back to it something would happen leading to me needing to read just one more which continued to happen until I had finished the book. I was just absolutely hooked!! However, as much as I loved the storyline I did struggle with some parts that I couldn't understand what was going on or I found the sentences too confusing for me. There wasn't too many parts like this too stop me enjoying the book but it is my reason for giving 4.5 instead of 5/5 stars. However as you can't give half stars I will be rounding it up to 5 as it is too good for a 4! Anyway, back to the positives. The storyline itself is completely unique, I have never come across anything like it before and I doubt I will in the future. It is absolutely filled with suspense and tension with a gothic and horror vibe thrown in. There were several parts where I felt the hairs on my arms raise and my heart pounding!! I absolutely LOVED the (again, very unique) extremely unexpected and completely mind blowing ending, an explosive end to a fantastic page turner!!
DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT READING THIS UNTIL YOU HAVE CLEARED YOUR SCHEDULES AS YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN!!!
The characters were well defined and strong. I can't say too much about them as if I do I really will spoil the story. I really liked Ben and was completely invested in him. My heart went out to him on so many occasions, at the end of the day everything he was doing was out of love and hope. Merle is an absolutely fascinating character and I really didn't know how to feel about him!! There were parts where I thought he was kind hearted and honest and others where I was dubious of him and he angered me. That is all I am going to say about them as I want to leave future readers make up their own minds.
A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Mark on what promises to be a massive best seller!!! I WAS absolutely shocked by so many events but OMG that ending was absolutely shocking!!! I can't say anything else but when you've read it you'll know!!! Regardless of the fact that there were parts I struggled with I am looking forward to reading more books by Mark and eagerly await his next success 🥂
Overall a unique, addictive, mind blowing page turner that will keep you up with a racing heart until you've finished!!!
Genres covered in this book include Medical Fiction, Spiritual Literature & Fiction, Fiction, Thriller, and Medical Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of anyone who loves books that will blow their minds .
294 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 4.5 rounded to 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#PaintedFire #SpellboundBooks #SpellBoundBks #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #ZooLoosBookTours #MarkLFowler
@Bookworm86 @bookworm1986 @ZooLoosBT @MarkLFowler @MFowlerauthor @SpellBoundBks @SpellboundBooks
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhi...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3...
August 27, 2022
This is my first and won't be my last book by Mark Fowler. In Painted Fire, actress Kate Tolle falls victim to a mysterious illness that baffles the medical world. In desperation her husband Ben appeals to the public, and an anonymous benefactor comes forward. What could possibly go wrong?
Swipe for the synopsis.
This multi-layered story had me hooked from the start and I couldn't put the book down. Full of twists and turns that had me guess what was fact and what was fiction, The cast of characters are brilliantly written. I was totally engaged in the characters, their backstories and the level of depth created. Since finishing the book, I've been wondering how far I would go for a loved one. I highly recommend and will be reading more from this author!
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you @SpellBoundBks and @ZooloosBT for my #giftedbook!
Swipe for the synopsis.
This multi-layered story had me hooked from the start and I couldn't put the book down. Full of twists and turns that had me guess what was fact and what was fiction, The cast of characters are brilliantly written. I was totally engaged in the characters, their backstories and the level of depth created. Since finishing the book, I've been wondering how far I would go for a loved one. I highly recommend and will be reading more from this author!
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you @SpellBoundBks and @ZooloosBT for my #giftedbook!
August 25, 2022
When actress, Kate Tolle becomes seriously unwell from a strange illness, even the doctors don’t know what is wrong.
When her husband, Ben, appeals for help, they end up flying to San Francisco thanks to an anonymous donor.
Then Ben meets Merle, he has no idea what is going on. Is Merle a magician or maybe some kind of faith healer?
This is a difficult book to review as I don’t want to give much away. As is normal with this author, expect the unexpected and don’t take anything at face value.
The characters in the story are interesting and well thought out. The book does make you stop and think about how far you would go for a loved one.
When her husband, Ben, appeals for help, they end up flying to San Francisco thanks to an anonymous donor.
Then Ben meets Merle, he has no idea what is going on. Is Merle a magician or maybe some kind of faith healer?
This is a difficult book to review as I don’t want to give much away. As is normal with this author, expect the unexpected and don’t take anything at face value.
The characters in the story are interesting and well thought out. The book does make you stop and think about how far you would go for a loved one.
August 26, 2022
Well. This grabbed all the right bits as I started reading it.
It’s a mysterious tale and hard to put into words where it takes you. But it does take you on a journey with Merle & what is on offer. What is on offer?
Read & see!
It’s a mysterious tale and hard to put into words where it takes you. But it does take you on a journey with Merle & what is on offer. What is on offer?
Read & see!
August 29, 2022
Painted Fire by Mark Fowler.
Actress Kate Tolle falls victim to an illness that baffles the medical world.
Brilliant read. Different unique. Loved it. 5*.
Actress Kate Tolle falls victim to an illness that baffles the medical world.
Brilliant read. Different unique. Loved it. 5*.
August 25, 2022
Title: Painted Fire
Author: Mark Fowler
Publisher: SpellBound Books
Genre: Thriller
Rating: 3/5
Synopsis:
Actress Kate Tolle has an illness that is baffling the medical world, no one is able to come close to healing her. Her husband Ben is desperate to have his wife back so he puts an appeal to the public and soon an anonymous benefactor comes forward. Kate and Ben find themselves on a flight to San Francisco, not knowing that the enigmatic Merle is waiting for their arrival. Kate’s health begins to improve, but others begin to die horrifically around her. Merle tells Ben that everything comes with a price, so what exactly does Merle want? And what is the chilling truth waiting to be discovered out in the desert in Las Vegas?
Review:
It was the description of this book that had me intrigued, it hooked me in and made the book sound like it would be something you could really sink your teeth into. I had not seen any reviews or star ratings for this book, and I hadn’t seen the front cover before jumping in, I really was going in blind with this read.
The prologue definitely caught my attention, the author had me feeling a range of emotions before the story had even really begun. The story also seemed to kick off straight away, I was thrown straight into the action.
One thing I really enjoyed about this book is that instantly there was a dark feel to the story, I could feel a heaviness around me as I was reading. I genuinely didn’t know where this book was going to take me and how it was going to unfold.
Merle really intrigued me, at first I was unsure if he was a character I should like or not and I was questioning that if I did like him, would this be a bad thing? He soon began to get under my skin however, he really did give me the creeps.
There was something about the author’s writing that was quite captivating, he did a fantastic job at creating imagery in my head but I can’t quite put a finger on how he made me feel when reading his work, almost dream state maybe. I won’t lie however, at times I was very baffled and confused as to what was actually going on, but I have a feeling this actually may have been an intentional move from the author.
This really was quite a strange read; I wasn’t sure what I was expecting but I know it wasn’t that! I am actually struggling to sum this all up in words, I still don’t fully have my thoughts and feelings together whilst writing this review, I am a little mind blown by this read but I know for sure it’s not one I’ll forget in a hurry.
September 27, 2022
After reading the blurb I was expecting a psychological thriller so I was unprepared for the supernatural element of this book and it came as a bit of a shock to me. The well written but complex plot had me floundering a bit at times as I wasn’t really sure what was happening. That said I liked the concept and it was certainly original.
Briefly, when Ben Tolle is 10 his parents work in a carnival. One day an old fortune teller reads his fortune. He is told he will write a book, marry an Angel, go on a journey and meet a magician. Some 25 years later he is married to Kate, a budding actress but who is always having nightmares. Nobody seems to be able to find a cause and her health is steadily going downhill. Then they get offered an opportunity to go to America to see another doctor. He turns out to be a quack after money but they are rescued from him by a stranger called Merle who offers to help. But as Kates health starts to improve they notice that people around them are dying!
Fans of this author will know to expect the weird and wonderful and it’s a good insight into how far someone would go for someone they loved. A scary conclusion in a cemetery heralded an unusual ending to the book. One for lovers of the supernatural.
Briefly, when Ben Tolle is 10 his parents work in a carnival. One day an old fortune teller reads his fortune. He is told he will write a book, marry an Angel, go on a journey and meet a magician. Some 25 years later he is married to Kate, a budding actress but who is always having nightmares. Nobody seems to be able to find a cause and her health is steadily going downhill. Then they get offered an opportunity to go to America to see another doctor. He turns out to be a quack after money but they are rescued from him by a stranger called Merle who offers to help. But as Kates health starts to improve they notice that people around them are dying!
Fans of this author will know to expect the weird and wonderful and it’s a good insight into how far someone would go for someone they loved. A scary conclusion in a cemetery heralded an unusual ending to the book. One for lovers of the supernatural.
August 25, 2022
Magical and mysterious and with realities so blurred I sometimes felt in a dream like state myself, not entirely sure what was going on.
I should’ve expected this from Mark’s books as I have read and enjoyed, several in the past.
Ben’s actress wife is really unwell and this explores the desperation of this situation and the feeling of hopelessness, which anyone can empathise with. There is hope offered by a mysterious benefactor if they fly out to the states but at what cost would a miracle cure come?
I loved the mysterious and enigmatic character of Merle and the magic and ambience of the story, it was very cleverly written, even if I didn’t 100% feel I knew where it was going at times, unable to keep up! The premise of the story was so good and I’m really glad I stayed in it for the full journey. I loved the ending. Overall a recommend from me.
I should’ve expected this from Mark’s books as I have read and enjoyed, several in the past.
Ben’s actress wife is really unwell and this explores the desperation of this situation and the feeling of hopelessness, which anyone can empathise with. There is hope offered by a mysterious benefactor if they fly out to the states but at what cost would a miracle cure come?
I loved the mysterious and enigmatic character of Merle and the magic and ambience of the story, it was very cleverly written, even if I didn’t 100% feel I knew where it was going at times, unable to keep up! The premise of the story was so good and I’m really glad I stayed in it for the full journey. I loved the ending. Overall a recommend from me.
August 28, 2022
This was a very bizarre book. It’s kind of a thriller, but then again it’s not. It’s a murder mystery, but only in as much as people get murdered. It’s fantasy, but only if you believe in Merle. I was very slightly reminded of Mr Wednesday in Neil Gaiman’s American Gods, and the way Ben and Kate just follow Merle from California to Nevada and meet his ‘friends’. Everywhere they go, everyone seems to know him.
But back to the beginning. Kate has fallen victim to a mysterious illness and no-one in the UK knows what is wrong with her or how to cure it. She has terrible, dark nightmares and is getting weaker all the time. Then they get an offer from an anonymous benefactor to go to America and soon become celebrity news. So off they go to San Francisco to meet the person who is going to help Kate.
While staying in a very expensive hotel, paid for of course by the benefactor, Ben leaves Kate for a few minutes to go and get a drink in the bar. And it’s there that he meets Merle for the first time. A tiny figure (again I visualise Neil Gaiman’s leprechaun) though this one is dressed in a white suit, with a buttonhole and bow tie. The latter appear to change colour every time Ben sees him, but the white suit never does.
‘The buttonhole and bow tie alone continued to defy expectations, now becoming a blue so deep and dark that it threatened at any moment to proclaim itself midnight.’
So is Merle a kind person trying to help Ben and Kate or does he have a more sinister agenda? And does he really have the power he claims?
‘Was this man unhinged, dangerous, or just having fun at the expense of some innocent abroad?’
That’s for me to know and you to find out, as they say. Painted Fire is a superbly written book and the author has a wonderful way with words. This has to be one of my favourite examples.
‘The place hummed with death, was alive with death.’ What a great phrase that is!
Many thanks to @zooloo2008 for inviting me to be part of this blog tour.
But back to the beginning. Kate has fallen victim to a mysterious illness and no-one in the UK knows what is wrong with her or how to cure it. She has terrible, dark nightmares and is getting weaker all the time. Then they get an offer from an anonymous benefactor to go to America and soon become celebrity news. So off they go to San Francisco to meet the person who is going to help Kate.
While staying in a very expensive hotel, paid for of course by the benefactor, Ben leaves Kate for a few minutes to go and get a drink in the bar. And it’s there that he meets Merle for the first time. A tiny figure (again I visualise Neil Gaiman’s leprechaun) though this one is dressed in a white suit, with a buttonhole and bow tie. The latter appear to change colour every time Ben sees him, but the white suit never does.
‘The buttonhole and bow tie alone continued to defy expectations, now becoming a blue so deep and dark that it threatened at any moment to proclaim itself midnight.’
So is Merle a kind person trying to help Ben and Kate or does he have a more sinister agenda? And does he really have the power he claims?
‘Was this man unhinged, dangerous, or just having fun at the expense of some innocent abroad?’
That’s for me to know and you to find out, as they say. Painted Fire is a superbly written book and the author has a wonderful way with words. This has to be one of my favourite examples.
‘The place hummed with death, was alive with death.’ What a great phrase that is!
Many thanks to @zooloo2008 for inviting me to be part of this blog tour.
August 25, 2022
This was the first book I have read by this author and is not my usual genre.
managed to keep up and follow the plot. I couldn't really take to the mysterious Merle and felt like his personality completely changed just before the book ended, which I didn't see coming.
I liked the character of Ben and wish we'd had a little bit from Kate's perspective and got to know her better.
Overall I enjoyed the chance to read something out of my comfort zone and was grateful I could follow the plot.
managed to keep up and follow the plot. I couldn't really take to the mysterious Merle and felt like his personality completely changed just before the book ended, which I didn't see coming.
I liked the character of Ben and wish we'd had a little bit from Kate's perspective and got to know her better.
Overall I enjoyed the chance to read something out of my comfort zone and was grateful I could follow the plot.
August 30, 2022
When Kate falls ill with a mysterious illness no doctor in the world can cure, they take their chance with a promise of a cure in America, where the mysterious Merle is waiting for them. This book for me didn’t fit into a particular genre but it’s a curious blend of thriller, magic and love with a sensation of tension which slowly creeps under your skin. From the outset when I met Ben as a young boy lost at a carnival I wasn’t sure where the book was leading me but I was happy to be taken along for the ride. Merle is an enigmatic and rather complex character and throughout the book I couldn’t decide how much I could trust him or how much Ben and Kate should. This book kept me wondering and guessing from beginning to end and with a couple of unexpected bits, I really enjoyed it.
September 28, 2025
How to describe Painted Fire. It’s difficult to put it neatly into a particular fiction genre as it was part psychological thriller, and that part was exceptional. But is also had elements of the supernatural, and this is what I struggled with. Not because it wasn’t well written, it’s just a personal thing. I am not a big fan of the mystical, preferring to read stories that to an extent, have a credible, believable feel about them.
But, having read a number of Mark Fowler’s books (his Tyler and Mills detective series is excellent and wow, what a read Sextet was), I wanted to see if the author had yet another string to his writing bow. And the answer? A definite yes.
Whilst the supernatural had a part to play, the author cleverly blended this in with a very compelling thriller. What has caused the debilitating illness of Kate and why has an unknown but very generous third party showed such interest in her case that he/she is willing to make a significant financial investment to help find a cure. Both Kate and Ben, her loyal husband, have no idea but as the plot unfolds, it becomes clear this is not a first. Others too have had the same experience.
What a talented author Mark Fowler constantly proves to be. From my experience, he is defined by his remarkable skill in bringing articulating his imagination into the most absorbing fictional writing.
But, having read a number of Mark Fowler’s books (his Tyler and Mills detective series is excellent and wow, what a read Sextet was), I wanted to see if the author had yet another string to his writing bow. And the answer? A definite yes.
Whilst the supernatural had a part to play, the author cleverly blended this in with a very compelling thriller. What has caused the debilitating illness of Kate and why has an unknown but very generous third party showed such interest in her case that he/she is willing to make a significant financial investment to help find a cure. Both Kate and Ben, her loyal husband, have no idea but as the plot unfolds, it becomes clear this is not a first. Others too have had the same experience.
What a talented author Mark Fowler constantly proves to be. From my experience, he is defined by his remarkable skill in bringing articulating his imagination into the most absorbing fictional writing.
September 10, 2022
Mark Fowler's newest book Painted Fire has a cover that holds a promise that I just hoped the pages could fulfill that promise. They did and so well!
A book that can't be pinned down to o e genre as it spans a few. Packed full of mystery,romance, magic, secrets and even more, a book I couldn't stop reading for any length of time. I was constantly on edge waiting for the next thing to occur.
Mark Fowlers characters are so well fleshed out that I was invested in Ben straight away. Merle is a character that keeps you thinking and not knowing. This added the edge too.
In conclusion I found this such an original, gripping and brilliant read.
A book that can't be pinned down to o e genre as it spans a few. Packed full of mystery,romance, magic, secrets and even more, a book I couldn't stop reading for any length of time. I was constantly on edge waiting for the next thing to occur.
Mark Fowlers characters are so well fleshed out that I was invested in Ben straight away. Merle is a character that keeps you thinking and not knowing. This added the edge too.
In conclusion I found this such an original, gripping and brilliant read.
September 2, 2022
I would give this 3.5 stars.
Where to start, this was so far from the norm of my usual reading material I wasn’t sure what to expect. It turned out to be a good read that I enjoyed and had me hooked. I was wanting to know where it was going and what would happen next. Though I do have to say I had no idea where the story was going nor what would happen next, but not in a bad way just an unusual way for me, I don’t tend to come away from a book thinking what did I just read, again in a good way not in a bad way. At the same time it had me riveted and like I said held my interest.
Where to start, this was so far from the norm of my usual reading material I wasn’t sure what to expect. It turned out to be a good read that I enjoyed and had me hooked. I was wanting to know where it was going and what would happen next. Though I do have to say I had no idea where the story was going nor what would happen next, but not in a bad way just an unusual way for me, I don’t tend to come away from a book thinking what did I just read, again in a good way not in a bad way. At the same time it had me riveted and like I said held my interest.
September 8, 2022
Painted Fire is dark, twisted and sinister and definitely unique.
I loved the interplay between Mark and Merle, and the development of Merle's character. The more I read, the more I wanted to read
This is the first book by Mark Fowler that I've read and it certainly won't be the last.
I received an ARC of this book from Spellbound Books and am submitting my honest review
I loved the interplay between Mark and Merle, and the development of Merle's character. The more I read, the more I wanted to read
This is the first book by Mark Fowler that I've read and it certainly won't be the last.
I received an ARC of this book from Spellbound Books and am submitting my honest review
September 18, 2022
This is the first book I have ever read by Mark Fowler and it won't be my last by a long shot. It has well-written dynamic characters that pull you into their world and then the plot has many different elements from mystery with pieces of supernatural in there and lots of suspense and thrills. I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy of this book.
September 17, 2022
Painted fire is the first book I’ve read my Mark Fowler and it won’t be the last. If your looking for a book full of twists and turns this is the book for you. Fast paced and a real page turner. Would recommend a read.
September 27, 2022
I enjoyed this book. I did find it a bit different than what I normally read, but an interesting one.
I have read some of the authors books before and they always intrigue me
Great unique book.
I have read some of the authors books before and they always intrigue me
Great unique book.
July 21, 2024
A good story but I felt that it meandered at times. I think with a bit of editing, it could have been reduced in length a fair bit and been a better read for that.
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