Skip to main content

Summer in Fire by Kitty Pilgrim: A Book Review

Summer in Fire
Author: Kitty Pilgrim
Genre: Mystery, Adventure, Thriller
Publisher: River Grove Books
Release Date: May 7, 2015
Pages: 344
Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Synopsis: On the beautiful island of Capri, a royal princess begins a secret love affair, oblivious to the dangers that surround her. Internationally renowned novelist Kitty Pilgrim chronicles a modern thriller based in the historic volcanic region of Southern Italy. Her characters, archaeologist John Sinclair and oceanographer Cordelia Stapleton, team up once again for a tale of glamour and romance that spans every level of society-from the dangerous criminal underworld of Naples to the jet set of Europe.

     My review: Royalty, forbidden love, missing jewels, and volcanoes -  who could resist such a plot? This novel also takes the reader to great places as the characters travel to different locations; from the ancient island of Capri, to the ancient city of Herculaneum, to the top of the active Mt. Etna that is on the verge of eruption, to Paris, and London. In this plot, archaeologist John Sinclair and Cordelia Stapleton team up to find the missing necklace of Princess Victoria which leads them to the dangerous criminal organization of Naples. During their investigation, they find themselves facing a natural catastrophe, for the eruption of the volcanoes in Iceland could cause great devastation on a massive scale to Europe.

      The two main characters in this book are John Sinclair and Cordelia. Both of them are scholars and complement the other. John has a good knowledge of history and Cordelia has a good knowledge of science. Both of them make a great team. What I love about Cordelia is not only is she smart, but she is also tough. She does not answer to anyone, and she can fight. She is a strong heroine. John Sinclair is a no-nonsense type. Yet, he has compassion and he is a good friend. I also like the other characters in the novel. All the women in this story were very strong, and I could not help but admire them. They were willing to protect their loved ones, and they would do anything to assure their safety.

     Overall, this book is about friendship, family, and love.  The story has adventure, mystery, and romance. The story is deeply embedded with science and history. With a sizzling plot and a great cast of characters, this novel  will be sure to thrill you. This story captivated me from the first page, and I enjoyed it till the last page. I recommend this book to anyone who likes science, history, mystery, thrillers, and romance. This book is also perfect for those who is looking for a great beach read.

Rating: 5 out 5 stars



Comments

Popular posts from this blog

A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie: A Book Review

A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams Author: Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks  Book Release Date: May 5, 2026 Pages: 463 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: In time for the 250th Anniversary of the birth of the United States comes a sweeping, intimate portrayal of Abigail Adams—wife of one president and mother to another—whose wit, willpower, and wisdom helped shape the fledgling republic. A stunning historical novel with modern-day implications from the New York Times bestselling authors of America’s First Daughter and My Dear Hamilton .      In the heart of revolutionary Boston, Abigail Adams raises her children amid riots, blockades, and the outbreak of war. While her husband, John Adams, rises from country lawyer to nation-builder, often away for years at a time, Abigail builds her own independence—managing their farm, making lucrative investments...

Interview with Victoria Alvear

     Today, I have the honor of doing an interview with Victoria Alvear! She has written two short stories in the anthologies called A Day of Fire: A Novel of Pompeii and A Song of War . Under the name, Vicky Alvear Shecter, she has penned Cleopatra's Moon , Curses of Smoke and Fire , Secrets of the Ancient Gods  series, Alexander the Great , Cleopatra Rules , and Warrior Queens . In this interview, Mrs. Alvear talks about her latest adult novel,  The Cleansing , which is a story about a Vestal Virgin who is unjustly accused of being sexually unchaste. During the interview, Mrs. Alvear discusses her writing process and her research. Thank you, Mrs. Alvear! What inspired you to write your book,  The Cleansing ? I was struck one day, years ago, when I heard an evangelical preacher claim that a hurricane hit Florida (and then years later, New Jersey) because of “lesbians” and loose women. At first, I laughed. Did they really believe this? Or was it just ...

In Darkness Born (The Breaking Wheel: The Story of Katherine Parr #1) by G. Lawrence: A Book Review

In Darkness Born (The Breaking Wheel: The Story of Katherine Parr #1) Author: G. Lawrence Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: G. Lawrence Book Release Date: April 19, 2026 Pages: 345 Source: Borrowed Synopsis: The world would make her a survivor... Destiny would make her a Queen.        England, 1525.       Born into a time of religious upheaval and political turmoil, Katherine Parr grows up in a loving family. Sheltered yet never kept ignorant of the dangers which surround her, Katherine secretly dreams of a life at court and a love such as the King possesses for the magnetic Anne Boleyn.       Sent north to become a bride at the age of sixteen, Katherine enters a household alien to the one she grew up in, where the overbearing personality of her new father-in-law holds sway, terrifying others into submission. Yet Katherine refuses to be intimidated and a curious friendship is born, exposin...