Chazin, Suzanne. The Fourth Angel: A Novel of Suspense

One of my secret pleasures is a well-told firefighting story. I reviewed Christine Andreae's The Smoke Eaters last year and enjoyed a strong woman protagonist fighting fires, as well as the men above and under her command in Montana. This year's first effort by suspense novelist Chazin is set in New York City and is full of suspense promised in the title. Georgia Skeehan is a rookie firefighter who comes from a family of firefighters. Someone calling himself "The Fourth Angel" is setting HTA (high-temperature accelerant) fires after he send notes with Biblical quotes warning his victims.

Chazin paces her story well, as Georgia finds evidence to support some very unpopular theories on the kind of fires and who could be setting them. Georgia's character is a complicated one, and the author does an able job of fleshing out her qualities and faults as she introduces the supporting cast of fire marshalls, top brass, possible villains, family members, and hapless victims.

I enjoyed the story and found it hard to put down, especially during the last third of the book. The writing is very good--you learn about fighting fires, the composition of fires, and the particulars of the role of a fire marshall with great ease. Chazin makes you choke on the greasy black smoke and cringe at the blisters appearing on your skin and lips. She made me realize why I like "fire" stories so much--it is one of the most frightening jobs I can imagine and my respect for the courage and talent of these brave folk overwhelmed me as I read this novel. This was fiction that absolutely rings true.

Some of the plot elements are telegraphed, but you won't mind because the character-driven prose works well for the reader.

Chazin is one to watch, and her follow-up is a humdinger. After September 11, 2002, we all have a heightened awareness of firefighters and their valiant efforts on our behalf. In her second novel, Flashover, Chazin follows her strong first effort with one of even more power. Her descriptions of burn victims are harrowing, and the picture she captures of the firefighters who are wronged by the system and political ambitions indeliable. You will need a strong stomach for this sequel; however, Mac Marenko is a more fully realized character in this book and Georgia continues to prove she may well be one of the most determined characters penned.

Leane M. Ellis, April 3, 2001,revised June 15, 2002