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

Deborah Swift's Book Blast

HF Virtual Book Tours is delighted to introduce you to historical novelist Deborah Swift! Deborah’s acclaimed novels are set in turbulent seventeenth century England and have been described as “brilliant” and “a must for all readers looking for something out of the ordinary but grippingly alive”. Her previous life as a scenographer and costume designer shine through as the settings are beautifully evoked, immersing the reader in the sights and smells of the time. Deborah’s multi-layered and engrossing historical adventures will make perfect picks for reading groups. Reading Group Guides can be conveniently found in the back of each book and on her website. Find more information on Deborah's novels below and enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card (£15 UK)! The Lady's Slipper Publication Date: June 3, 2011 Pan MacMillan Formats: Ebook, Paperback England, 1660. The King is back, but memories of the English Civil War still rankle. In rural Westmorland, artist Alice I...

Interview with Paula Margulies

     Today, I have the opportunity to interview Paula Margulies. She has recently wrote a novel about Pocahontas called Favorite Daughter, Part One , which won an Editor’s Choice Award at the 24th Annual San Diego State University Writer’s Conference. The story creates a different perspective to the American heroine. It is told in first person narrative, and it is how Pocahontas at a young age embarks through the many changes of her life. By doing so she transforms into a strong, courageous, wise woman. I am very pleased that she took the time to grant me this interview and to generously donate a copy of her novel to the giveaway. I look forward to reading her books in the future, and check back for my review of Favorite Daughter’s Part One soon. This interview is to give readers insight about her and her novel. Thank you, Mrs. Margulies. 1. Where and when do you write?  In my home office mostly, although I try to sneak away to artist residencies whenever ...

La Belle Creole: The Cuban Countess who Captivated Havana, Madrid and Paris by Alina Garcia-Lapuerta: A Book Review

La Belle Creole: The Cuban Countess who Captivated Havana, Madrid and Paris Author: Alina Garcia-Lapuerta Genre: Nonfiction, Biography, History Publisher: Chicago Review Press Release Date: September 1, 2014 Pages: 320 Source:  Netgalley/publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: The adventurous woman nicknamed La Belle Creole is brought to life in this book through the full use of her memoirs, contemporary accounts, and her intimate letters. The fascinating Maria de las Mercedes Santa Cruz y Montalvo, also known as Mercedes, and later the Comtesse Merlin, was a Cuban-born aristocrat who was years ahead of her time as a writer, a socialite, a salon host, and a participant in the Cuban slavery debate. Raised in Cuba and shipped off to live with her socialite mother in Spain at the age of 13, Mercedes triumphed over the political chaos that blanketed Europe in the Napoleonic days, by charming aristocrats from all sides with her exotic beauty and singing voice. She m...