Red Flag Warning by Kurt Kamm

Red Flag Warning

Format:	Paperback
Pages:	298
Published:	May 1, 2010
ISBN:	978-1608300297

My Book Review Rating:

Synopsis

Red Flag Warning is a mystery novel with a difference, it’s based around the world of arsonists. The story is told from the viewpoint of various characters: from NiteHeat who developed a love of fire at a very early age, and Fire Captain Jim Kendall who lives and breaths his investigations to Ruffy, the Command and Control supervisor who dreams of joining the fire crew rather than directing them.

Based in California, the arsonist takes advantage of the Santa Ana winds to start devastating fires that destroy countless family homes while the firefighters battle to put a stop to the travelling flames. As NightHeat prowls the darkness looking for the perfect incendiary that will leave its mark, Kendall and his team do all they can to catch the arsonist and put an end to the devastation.

Fiction or non-fiction? What’s the genre?

This firefighter novel is fictional. The realism within the story comes from Kamm’s extensive research of the topic. After he was driven from his home by a wildfire Kamm became the local wildland fire expert. In the two years he spent writing this novel he attended the CalFire Wildland Arson Investigation Academy and spent time with both arson investigators and an arson profiler.

Why did you decide to read this book?

Back in November 2008 I read and reviewed Kamm’s first novel: One Foot in the Black which I thoroughly enjoyed. After I reviewed the book Kamm kindly agreed to an interview (which you can read here) but also promised to send me a copy of his next book when it was published. True to his word Red Flag Warning appeared in my mailbox – and didn’t disappoint.

What did you like about this book?

As with Kamm’s previous novel I enjoyed this book not only because it was well written with believable characters and a great story line, but also because it is unlike anything I’d ever read before.

Kamm develops the story from the viewpoint of the different characters and includes enough twists and turns that I was left guessing the identity of the arsonist until the very end of the book.

What didn’t you like?

I can’t think of anything I didn’t like about this book – it’s that good lol

Share a quote from the book

“Outside, NiteHeat dug into the scorched sand surrounding the ants’ nest with a stick. A few angry ants erupted into the sunlight. They ran in tight circles and then spread out over the sand. NiteHeat misted them with a spray of pain thinner. Holding the match carefully, scraping it across the side of the box, the tip spluttered and gave off smoke. The flame struggled and became a beautiful orange triangle.

NiteHeat threw the match into the center of the moist sand and fire leapt up, smothering the ants. They looked like frantic little people, trying to escape the heat. One by one, they were overcome. Each ant curled up, burst into a tiny puff of flame, and turned into ash.”

What did you think about the ending?

The ending was perfect. Kamm builds the pace and energy towards the end of the book to an explosive climax where the identity of the arsonist is finally revealed.

About the author

Malibu resident Kurt Kamm has used his experience in several devastating local wildfires and access to Los Angeles County firefighters to write compelling novels about the lives of wildland firefighters. Kamm spent two years in the wildland firefighter camps and female inmate fire camps of Los Angeles County Fire Department,and interviewed firefighters, helicopter pilots, paramedics and traumatic stress counselors while writing his novels.
Read more about author Kurt Kamm…