Hell's Fire - Hardcover

Chris Simms

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 075288932X ISBN 13: 9780752889320

Publisher: Orion, 2008

Synopsis

"A persuasive, original plot. Realism about the underside of modern life is combined with psychological insight in an excellent thriller."―Jessica Mann, Literary Review

The deliberate torching of a church creates outrages across Manchester, and when a charred corpse and satanic symbols are found in the smoking ruins, detective Jon Spicer and the city’s Major Incident Team are called in. Spicer quickly finds himself drawn into the depths of a horrifying religious underworld he didn’t know existed. Soon, fresh killings bring the realization that those responsible for the burnings are prepared to commit even more brutal crimes in their twisted homage to God. As emotions and paranoia flare throughout Manchester, Spicer fears for those closest to him as he struggles to halt the continuing atrocities.

About this title

About the Author:

Christopher Simms is married with four children and works as a freelance copy writer. His acclaimed debut novel Killing the Beast was selected as a Best Crime Novel of the Year by Shots magazine. His second novel, Pecking Order, was selected as the Best British Crime Novel by Deadly Pleasures magazine. He lives in Manchester.

From Publishers Weekly:

British author Simms (Shifting Skin) emphasizes action over characterization in his first police thriller to be published in the U.S. When a fourth Manchester church is destroyed in an arson incident involving satanic rituals, Det. Insp. Jon Spicer and his Major Incident Team investigate. In the smoldering ruins of the church is a charred corpse. More murders follow, with evidence that the killer is employing methods used in the Middle Ages to slaughter suspected witches. Other leads involve a death metal band, Satan's Inferno, one of whose members disappeared shortly before the most recent conflagration, and Tristan Arkell, head of the Psychic Academy, whose police record includes a number of allegations of sexual assault. Spicer's own sister, Ellie, who's become a Wiccan, may also have relevant information, even as she reveals a dark secret from Spicer's childhood. The killer's identity will surprise many readers, but this isn't enough to salvage a routine plot. (June)
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About this edition

• Publisher: Orion
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 075288932X
• ISBN 13: 9780752889320
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 289