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

Guest Post by Aleksey Linetskiy: The Women Behind the Klondike Story

       Today's guest writer is Aleksey Linetskiy. He is the co-author of Finch and Hawk:   The Klondike Letters , which is a unique yearly subscription in which the reader reads a story by mail. In this guest post, he introduces us to a few historical women of the Klondike era. Some of these women are Alice Freeman, Flora Shaw, and Helen Dare. Thank you, Mr. Linetskiy! The Women Behind the Klondike Story        Before we began writing Finch and Hawk: The Klondike Letters , my partner, Alona Umansky, and I spent a great deal of time researching the Klondike Gold Rush. We were interested in finding the stories of people who maybe didn’t become rich and famous but still went through the experience of a great stampede.  As we were reading the newspapers of the time and firsthand accounts, it became very clear to us that we wanted to tell at least part of the story through the women’s eyes. There were so many incredible women who underto...

The Female Tudor Scholar and Writer: The Life and Times of Margaret More Roper by Aimee Fleming: A Book Review

The Female Tudor Scholar and Writer: The Life and Times of Margaret More Roper Author: Aimee Fleming Genre: Nonfiction, History, Biography  Publisher: Pen & Sword History  Book Release Date: 2024 Pages: 207 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: A presentation of Margaret More Roper, an accomplished writer whose life offers insight into Tudor England and the English Reformation. Margaret More Roper may be remembered as the eldest daughter of Sir Thomas More, but she was much, much more. Well-educated, loyal, passionately pious, and a skilled writer and translator, Margaret inspired a generation and proved to Tudor England and beyond just how accomplished a woman could be. Her life provides a window into the turbulent times of the English Reformation and life at the court of King Henry VIII. In this biography, Margaret is presented in her own right and given the attention and acknowledgement she so richly deserves.     ...

Let the Murderer Say Amen (Psychics and Soul Mystery #2) by Carolyn Marie Wilkins

Let the Murderer Say Amen (Psychics and Soul Food Mystery #2) Author: Carolyn Marie Wilkins  Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery & Suspense, Paranormal Publisher: Kensington Books Book Release Date: July 28, 2026 Pages: 269 Source: This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: As prosperity and great cultural changes sweep across 1920s America during the Jazz Age, Nola Ann Jackson learns more about developing her natural psychic talents from her aunt—talents that prove crucial when she investigates murder in her Black community.       The people of Agate, Illinois, have welcomed Bishop Pius Amun Ra with open arms, flocking to become congregants of his Temple of Righteous Revelation. He has won over the hearts not only of the Black churchgoers, but of the city’s white political and wealthy elite. Bishop Ra is more than a preacher of the good word, he is a faith healer, blessed with the gift on the banks of the...