When investigative journalism student Emily Voss dies in what appears to be a tragic apartment fire, veteran fire investigator Jack Mercer sees something everyone else misses. The burn patterns don't match the official story. The fire didn't start where it should have. And someone worked very hard to make the scene look like an accident.

As Mercer digs deeper alongside homicide detective Sarah Delgado, the evidence leads far beyond a single suspicious death. Hidden surveillance devices, erased access records, unauthorized apartment entries, and a powerful real-estate developer with political connections all point to a conspiracy hiding in plain sight.

What begins as a routine fire investigation quickly becomes a race against a ruthless organization willing to destroy evidence, silence witnesses, and kill anyone who gets too close to the truth. Every new clue uncovers another layer of corruption, and every fire scene reveals secrets someone thought had been burned away forever.

Using forensic fire science, sharp investigative instincts, and an unshakable determination to follow the evidence, Mercer must expose the people behind a deadly operation before they ignite another cover-up—and before he becomes the next target.

Smoke Line is a gripping forensic thriller packed with authentic fire investigation techniques, relentless suspense, complex conspiracies, and a hero who knows that fires may destroy evidence—but they also leave clues.

Perfect for fans of Michael Connelly, Robert Dugoni, and forensic crime thrillers where science, investigation, and danger collide.

About the Author

Gary Ludwig has served in three fire departments throughout his career. His fire, EMS, and rescue career spans a total of 48 years, and he has been a paramedic for over 46 years. He served as the President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) during the 2019-20 term, and I was selected as the Career Fire Chief of the Year by the IAFC in 2022.

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