Beyond the Flames

by Gregory Lee Renz

Fans of Harry Bosch and Jack Reacher will be captivated by Fire Captain/Vietnam Vet Lee Garrison in the riveting thriller BEYOND THE FLAMES

Embittered Fire Captain LEE GARRISON joins forces with retired Police Captain BRIGID
O’BRIEN in a life-and-death struggle to save an African-American family that’s being terrorized
by a savage outlaw motorcycle gang.

Captain Garrison struggles with PTSD from combat missions in Vietnam and the horrific scenes
of trauma he’s experienced on the job. He rescues a nine-year-old girl from an inner-city school
fire. The crusty captain resists the embrace of her family, but the girl continues to show up on his
doorstep. She breaks through his tough exterior. He reluctantly accepts her affection. When he
learns her teenage sister has been forced into the sex trade by the HELLS DISCIPLES outlaw
motorcycle gang, he pledges to free her.

The leader of the gang, MANSON, has executed the leaders of rival gangs and driven their gangs
out of town, leaving the Hells Disciples—also known as the Iron Horse Mafia—as the only
outlaw biker gang in Milwaukee. They must be eliminated if Captain Garrison is to rescue the
girl’s sister and protect her family. He will need to use the cunning he learned in combat while
keeping his explosive temper under control. He enlists the help of Brigid O’Brien who had
investigated the gang when she was on the police force. As they get closer to devising a plan to
bring down the gang they uncover a diabolical scheme that will have a catastrophic effect on the
entire inner-city community and threaten both of their lives.

393 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 23, 2024

Reviews

[little blue haired old lady X · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gregory Lee Renz is not only a fine storyteller as he shows in his new book, Beyond the Flames, but he knows trauma and attachment trauma. As a helping professional I highly recommend this book to new therapists working with first responders or military veterans, as it really helps us understand what responses to trauma the people who protect us have. Gregory's insights into attachment trauma and multigenerational trauma are right on the mark and show how they can get in the way of living a happy and fulfilling life if not dealt with. I plan to recommend Gregory's book to all of my first responders as it shows recovery is possible and we need not be ashamed of asking for help. Aside from the book's clear educational value, it is impossible to not care for the characters and root for them in the twists and turns of the story. I couldn't put Beyond the Flames down until I finished reading it.

[Mary Behan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond The Flames is quite the page turner! Suspenseful, dramatic and thoroughly engaging, Greg Renz’s new novel takes us into the underworld of Milwaukee gangs whose reach damages so many young black lives. In his sequel to Beneath The Flames, we follow Lee Garrison, a traumatized older firefighter who must face the demons accumulated over a lifetime, not just in firefighting, but also in the Vietnam war and before that during his childhood in an abusive home. The moments of terror in the novel are softened by so many generous spirits including Miss Bernie, Brother Williams, and a community that, when it matters most, rise to the occasion.

[Tracey Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw and incredibly informative, Beyond the Flames is another deep dive into the psyche of a firefighter. Renz's ability to draw you into his emotionally charged characters is unforgettable. This book will leave you breathless. If you've read Razorblade Tears, you'll love Beyond the Flames. Greg isn't afraid to write about the raw truth behind emotional trauma. He deals with social injustice and prejudice in a kind and thoughtful way. And his fire fighting scenes are clearly written from his experience. Another must read by Gregory Renz!

[Douglas Rohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly good read!

It took me two days to finish this book. I couldn't put it down. The story moved along quickly, and was action packed. As a retired firefighter, I think the author nailed the firehouse down perfectly. The story was solid and plausible. I liked how post traumatic stress was worked into the story. It made it much more real and relatable to me.

[Monica Lobenstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action with heart! Renz writes another page-turner with a rich cast of characters.