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Book Review of That Old Flame of Mine (Sweet Pepper Fire Brigade, Bk 1)

That Old Flame of Mine (Sweet Pepper Fire Brigade, Bk 1)
dollycas avatar reviewed on + 704 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2


After knocking the lights out of her boyfriend when she catches him cheating on her, Chicago fire fighter Stella Griffin hops on her Harley and heads for Sweet Pepper, Tennessee, where she ends up becoming the small towns fire chief. When her dear friend Tory Lambert dies after her gingerbread-style house is set ablaze, Stella suspects arson and foul play.

As Stella investigates, she gets help from a most unlikely sourcethe ghost of Eric Gamlyn, Sweet Peppers old fire chief. And if that isnt enough to rattle her, attractive police officer John Trump seems to have taken an interest in her. But Stellas got to stay focused if she hopes to smoke out a killer before her own life is extinguished.

Dollycass Thoughts
As the daughter of a firefighter I was thrilled with this book. My dad passed away 25 years ago and it still seems like yesterday. I wish he would haunt his old firehouse, maybe he does? He did not die on a scene but he was a chief too just like Eric Gamlyn and I so wanted to be a firefighter and work side by side with him. At that time female firefighters were few and far between. Ladies were on the auxiliary and handled bake sales and delivered food and drink to the big fires. I would have loved Stellas life even with the crummy boyfriend.

The story is so well written and full of wonderful real characters. The drill/practice sessions ring true to me as someone who has observed many. Chief Erics haunts struck my heart. Another firefighter lost too soon with so many plans and dedication. Stella has a lot on her plate in Sweet Pepper and with a bit of help she comes out on top. A sassy, smart, sleuth that this reader plans to enjoy tagging along with for a very long time.

J.J. Cook has written an extraordinary debut. This book will be burning up bookstore shelves. Its hotter than a 5 alarm fire!! Respond and extricate your copy as soon as possible.