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

Jane Seymour: Henry VIII's True Love by Elizabeth Norton: A Book Review

Jane Seymour: Henry VIII's True Love Author: Elizabeth Norton Genre: Nonfiction, History, Biography Publisher: Amberley Publishing Release Date: 2011 Pages: 288 Source: Personal Collection Synopsis: The first ever biography of Jane Seymour, Henry VIII's third wife, who died in childbirth giving the king what he craved most - a son and heir.       Jane Seymour is often portrayed as meek and mild and as the most successful, but one of the least significant, of Henry VIII's wives. The real Jane was a very different character, demure and submissive yet with a ruthless streak - as Anne Boleyn was being tried for treason, Jane was choosing her wedding dress. From the lowliest origins of any of Henry's wives her rise shows an ambition every bit as great as Anne's.       Elizabeth Norton tells the thrilling life of a country girl from rural Wiltshire who rose to the throne of England and became the ideal Tudor woman.       My R...

The Rose Code by Kate Quinn: A Book Review

The Rose Code Author: Kate Quinn Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Harper Collins Release Date: 2021 Pages: 635 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: 1940, Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire.        Three very different women are recruited to the mysterious Bletchley Park, where the best minds in Britain train to break German military codes.       Vivacious debutante Osla has the dashing Prince Philip of Greece sending her roses – but she burns to prove herself as more than a society girl, working to translate decoded enemy secrets. Self-made Mab masters the legendary codebreaking machines as she conceals old wounds and the poverty of her East-End London upbringing. And shy local girl Beth is the outsider who trains as one of the Park’s few female cryptanalysts.       1947, London.        Seven years after they first meet, on the eve of the roya...

The Blue Butterfly: A Novel of Marion Davies by Leslie Johansen Nack

The Blue Butterfly: A Novel of Marion Davies Author: Leslie Johansen Nack Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: She Writes Press Release Date: May 3rd, 2022 Pages: 352 Source: This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: New York 1915, Marion Davies is a shy eighteen-year-old beauty dancing on the Broadway stage when she meets William Randolph Hearst and finds herself captivated by his riches, passion and desire to make her a movie star. Following a whirlwind courtship, she learns through trial and error to live as Hearst’s mistress when a divorce from his wife proves impossible. A baby girl is born in secret in 1919 and they agree to never acknowledge her publicly as their own. In a burgeoning Hollywood scene, she works hard making movies while living a lavish partying life that includes a secret love affair with Charlie Chaplin. In late 1937, at the height of the depression, Hearst wrestles with his debtors and failing health, when Marion loan...