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Susan May

Behind the Fire (Large Print Edition) Paperback – Large Print, March 22, 2019

by Susan May (Author)

96 ratings

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What if all that stood between us and hell was a match?An ordinary couple stand accused of a heinous crime. They're the last people you'd expect to save the world. Are they criminals, heroes or completely insane? Or maybe all three?Emily and Bobby Jessup are just a sweet, ordinary couple, except they stand accused of multiple counts of first-degree arson. The small coal-mining community of Karlgarin has branded them criminals and sociopaths, and the case against them seems open and shut.Something terrifying though led Bobby and Emily to leave their two young children with a sitter while they embarked on a crazy fire-bug spree. That something was an incredible secret they'd promised to protect. When Emily impulsively breaks her promise while under cross-examination, a bizarre tale unfolds of the night she followed her husband and discovered the truth of his clandestine activities. These two are the last people anyone would expect to save the world. Yet, that’s what they claim. Are they criminals, heroes or completely insane?Inspired by true-life headlines, revealed in Susan May's fascinating postscript From the Imagination Vault, Behind the Fire is an engrossing novelette of the random appearances of frightening black things, and one couple's battle to protect their town from these dangerous and hellish creatures.Fans of Stranger Things will delight in this horror thriller-with-a-twist inspired by true events. From the international best selling author readers call the new Stephen King, comes a tale of horror, love and incredible bravery.What readers are saying about BEHIND THE FIRENot only does this lady know how to keep you interested but reading her work is like it is taken from the daily newspaper! C.M.The story hooks you and keeps you turning pages. It makes you wonder if it is real? B.T.Behind The Fire is a perfect blend of horror, supernatural forces and suspense. EvieI loved the novella. It grabbed me from the beginning right through to the end. A very talented writer. CDWBTightly written, with good pacing. I enjoyed the suspense and final ending. CR. Bishop

Print length

238 pages
Language

English
Publication date

March 22, 2019
Dimensions

6 x 0.6 x 9 inches
ISBN-10

1091234760
ISBN-13

978-1091234765
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Product details

Publisher : Independently published (March 22, 2019)
Language : English
Paperback : 238 pages
ISBN-10 : 1091234760
ISBN-13 : 978-1091234765
Item Weight : 12.6 ounces
Dimensions : 6 x 0.6 x 9 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #4,960,385 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #70,638 in Short Stories (Books)
- #122,500 in Horror Literature & Fiction

Customer Reviews:
96 ratings

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5 star		43%
4 star		21%
3 star		7%
2 star		18%
1 star		11%

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Karen B

Surprisingly good despite unanswered questions

Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2016

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I received this book when the author offered it for free on Amazon.
I usually don't care much for novellas and short stories as they always leave so many unanswered questions. This story left me with fun questions to speculate. Even though I had questions, I still enjoyed it and although I hope the author might use this a prequel it was still a satisfying read.
Bobby and his wife are on trial for being "serial arsonists". Bobby found a list of places and times and curious he discovered that at that place and time strange shadow "creatures" appeared and could cause destruction. The only way one can be stopped is by burning it.
I liked to wonder who was the man who made the list and how did he know. What were the creatures and what were they really trying to do. Could they be from another planet? Or maybe from the future coming to warn us. I found this story delightful.
I did not care for the short story "Gone" included with the novella, but it was okay.

3 people found this helpful

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Judy Clay

Behind the Fire, another gem from Susan May

Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2016

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Once again I find myself bowled over from the talent that is Susan May. I have been a fan of her work since I literary literally stumbled upon her work a couple of years ago. I have written reviews for her three volume work Back Again (three sets of six short stories each) and her wonderful novel Deadly Messengers.
She has been favorably compared to Gillian Flynn and called the new female Stephen King. Well, to me she is Susan May and soon other authors will be compared to her.
Crisp writing, twisting plots always keep you guessing. I find her more in the vein of Rod Serling and Richard Matheson. Any comparison just gives you a flavor of her craft.
Behind the Fire is a novella and quite a whirlwind. You really have no time to catch your breath as you follow Bobby as he discovers an alien crises that impacts all mankind and soon his loving wife, Em joins him in at first fighting, then understanding and developing empathy for the "vicious" creature that is causing a small town in Australia such havoc. If the creature(?) cannot be stopped what will happen to Australia and the rest of the world. Two normal, working, loving family members are somehow chosen to save the world. Or do they?
My only critique is the novella gets a bit bogged down about one-third into the fascinating story. But believe me this is minor criticism when we get totally enveloped by the story.
I admit to being an unabashed fan but not a zealot.I hope she thrills us for years to come. A true, unique talent in the suspense/supernatural/thriller genre. Get her books so you can be the cool kid on the block.

3 people found this helpful

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booklover

HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY?

Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2016

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I am not normally a huge fan of horror. BUT ... this author's short stories are so well-written that I get deeply involved in the reading before I realize it. And one of my big enjoyments of her writing is that she also writes a story on how she came up with this particular idea.
In Behind The Fire, she took a story out of a newspaper headline and turned it into a fascinating story.

It starts with Emily and Bobby on trial for serial arson. As Emily testifies, she decides to tell the complete truth, no matter if anyone believes her or not. The story bounces back and forth between what she's saying now and then the bigger details that she's remembering.

This is a complete novelette, less than 200 pages. It's a fast, enjoyable read. It begs to answer the question ... how far would you go to protect your family, your neighbors, your community?

3 people found this helpful

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Leslie A.

Author with a wonderful writing style!

Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2018

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Susan May has a wonderful way with words! Like her writing, have read most, if not all of her books.

One person found this helpful

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B. Baskett

Excellent

Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2018

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This book was very interesting to me, and excellent, as well. The story is compelling, and seems like something that could actually happen. Definitely check this out!

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Book Eater

Where's the Fire?

Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2019

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The way Susan May told the story was perfect! She grabbed my attention early by tapping into my curiosity. I couldn't put the book down! You won't be able to either to find out why fire is needed. The ending left me wanting a sequel.

One person found this helpful

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Just A. Reader

Bold New Beginning

Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2013

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I discovered this first novella by Susan May by chance, stumbling around Amazon's kindle store. (Though I must confess I do interact with Susan through social media, she was not the one to even tell me she published her first book. I don't think she's told many readers or friends that she even published a book, and I hope more and more readers discover Behind the Fire.) It's a wonderful debut in the supernatural/horror genre. It has parts of Machen, Lovecraft, and even Koontz, but updated to a current situation in a small mining town in Australia. The idea for the story came from real life, a jumping off point to create a fictional world: the case of a couple who became serial arsonists (I remember hearing about that case in the news). The story begins in the middle of a trial, both arsonists being prosecuted for their horrible crimes, and the decision one of the arsonists makes to finally reveal the truth. So begins the book, and the tale of something dark that spurs two people to make insane decisions . . . or not. Just read it. It has the requisite dread. There's also a bonus short story at the end to cap off the book, and I enjoyed that short piece about a long-married couple and their love for each other through all the ups and considerable downs---how they stayed together is the heart of the tale.

2 people found this helpful

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AJ Murphy

recommended

Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2016

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I enjoyed the ebb and flow ofthe book, and would recommend it.

One person found this helpful

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David Brian

Twilight Zone Visits The Australian Outback!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 16, 2016

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Emily Jessup has always believed she has the perfect marriage. A mother of two young children, she acts as chief carer while Bobby, the husband she considers her soulmate, works hard covering variable hours at a rental depot on the outskirts of their hometown of Kalgarin - a red dust mining community in Western Australia.
However, over the course of these last several weeks, something has seemed 'off' with Bobby. Late night sojourns away from home, and not being at the places he claims to have been. As much as it pains her, Emily begins to suspect the worst. Is Bobby having an affair?

One evening, after Bobby is once again 'called away,' Emily decides to track her husband down and uncover the truth behind his actions. However, any relief at finding out her husband's loyalty to their relationship never wavered, it is quickly tempered by the revelation of what truly confronts their hometown. Fate has chosen Bobby to act as a savior to the people of Kalgarin. Their town, and maybe too the world, faces a threat of unknown proportions. Up until now he has chosen to fight alone, but the violence imparted upon these intruders was not without cost. Properties around Kalgarin lie in ruin, a result of Bobby's endeavors.
Now, even if Emily stands by her man, is there any chance of convincing their peers of the truth? An encroaching danger that may change their world forever.

Susan May knows how to write a page-turner. Behind the Fire is more of a mystery and suspense story (think Outer Limits), rather than outright horror (no torture porn here). But it is all the better for this. The novella is written with good pacing and nicely descriptive prose (without being over-flowery), and in many ways it is reminiscent of 80s Dean Koontz - by far his best years.

As I said this is a novella, and it should be noted there is a substantial amount of filler material following the conclusion of Behind the Fire, including another solidly written bonus story titled 'Gone.' There is also an interesting chapter where Susan May explains her thinking in creating Behind the Fire. This was a fascinating examination of how real-life lends itself towards creating fiction.

Overall, an original and nicely crafted novella from an author with good writing chops. If you enjoy programs such as The Twilight Zone, or fancy reading some mystery and suspense in a style reminiscent of early Dean Koontz, then you could do far worse than picking up a copy of Behind the Fire.

One person found this helpful

Linda Todd

Amazing book a gift from the author.😉

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 18, 2016

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Amazing stories in one fabulous book enjoyed reading all the stories. Masterly put together in one amazing book this wonderful book I would be so delighted to recommend this wonderful book to all my friends. My heart's felt thanks to the amazing author Susan May for the utmost pleasure of reading this wonderful book a d will be reading more of her wonderful books in the future so to all happy, happy reading to you all from wee me.😄😆

One person found this helpful

Belle

Teresa

Reviewed in France on October 4, 2016

Verified Purchase

No - not for me. I have to admit I skim-read this and couldn't wait to get to the end. Was terribly bored from about a quarter of the way in. I wouldn't call this a "dark thriller" in any way still..... if you like little green men from planet Mars or wherever.......

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