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Beneath the Flames
BENEATH THE FLAMES is an intimate combination of love, race, and life as an urban firefighter.
A fire in a neighboring farmhouse has young farmer and volunteer firefighter, Mitch Garner, blaming himself for the tragic outcome. He loses all hope of forgiving himself. His only hope for redemption is to leave Jennie, the girl he’s loved since high school, and journey from Wisconsin’s lush farmland to the decaying inner city of Milwaukee to prove himself as a professional firefighter.
Mitch is assigned to the busiest firehouse in the heart of one of the most blighted areas of Milwaukee, the Core, where he’s viciously hazed by senior firefighters. He struggles to hold it together at horrific scenes of violence and can’t do anything right at fires. Within weeks, he’s ready to give up and quit. His salvation comes in the form of a brash adolescent girl, Jasmine Richardson. Mitch is assigned to tutor her little sister through a department mentoring program. Despite Jasmine’s contempt toward Mitch, her courage and devotion to her little sister inspire Mitch to stay and dedicate himself to helping her and the neighboring children overcome the hopelessness of growing up in crushing poverty.
Trouble on the farm has Mitch torn between returning home to Jennie and staying in Milwaukee where he’ll be forced to risk his life to protect Jasmine from the leader of the One-Niner street gang.
A fire in a neighboring farmhouse has young farmer and volunteer firefighter, Mitch Garner, blaming himself for the tragic outcome. He loses all hope of forgiving himself. His only hope for redemption is to leave Jennie, the girl he’s loved since high school, and journey from Wisconsin’s lush farmland to the decaying inner city of Milwaukee to prove himself as a professional firefighter.
Mitch is assigned to the busiest firehouse in the heart of one of the most blighted areas of Milwaukee, the Core, where he’s viciously hazed by senior firefighters. He struggles to hold it together at horrific scenes of violence and can’t do anything right at fires. Within weeks, he’s ready to give up and quit. His salvation comes in the form of a brash adolescent girl, Jasmine Richardson. Mitch is assigned to tutor her little sister through a department mentoring program. Despite Jasmine’s contempt toward Mitch, her courage and devotion to her little sister inspire Mitch to stay and dedicate himself to helping her and the neighboring children overcome the hopelessness of growing up in crushing poverty.
Trouble on the farm has Mitch torn between returning home to Jennie and staying in Milwaukee where he’ll be forced to risk his life to protect Jasmine from the leader of the One-Niner street gang.
360 pages, Hardcover
Published June 1, 2019
17 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
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June 5, 2019“A woman was in front of the house…desperately pleading for the firefighters to rescue her two nephews who were trapped inside. With heavy smoke coming from the home, Captain Gregory Lee Renz knew that if the boys were to have any chance of being rescued, he had to get to them quickly. Without regard for his own safety, he descended the basement stairs and began to search for the boys.”
What a hook to a novel about the perils of firefighting. The only thing: it isn’t.
That’s not a book excerpt. It’s a partial description of the real-life heroics that earned Gregory Lee Renz induction into the Fire and Police Hall of Fame in 2006 among those who put themselves in harm’s way for the safety of others.
Renz applies his first-hand experience as a decorated firefighter to his searing, emotional debut novel Beneath the Flames (HenschelHAUS Publishing), eight years in the making and releasing this month from Three Towers Press. With Renz, you are in the hands of a reliable guide and deft writer as he captures the fraternal bond of this unique band of heroes.
The author provides an inside look into the stereotypical locker room camaraderie, as well as the technical procedures of the profession. More importantly, though, we are able to glimpse the trials of an emotionally and physically demanding vocation – one steeped in morality, heartbreak, physical challenges and the pressure of split-second decisions that mean life or death.
Sometimes the only way to cope is with humor that might seem distasteful — but who can blame them? “Look, we see shit nobody should have to see,” says one character. “I know it’s sick…but that’s how we deal with it. Lost some good firefighters over the years who couldn’t.”
Renz is a firefighter-turned-storyteller. And how fitting, given what he describes as “an endless well of stories and colorful characters to draw from” spanning his years of fire service.
The rest of the review: https://booktrib.com/2019/06/beneath-...
What a hook to a novel about the perils of firefighting. The only thing: it isn’t.
That’s not a book excerpt. It’s a partial description of the real-life heroics that earned Gregory Lee Renz induction into the Fire and Police Hall of Fame in 2006 among those who put themselves in harm’s way for the safety of others.
Renz applies his first-hand experience as a decorated firefighter to his searing, emotional debut novel Beneath the Flames (HenschelHAUS Publishing), eight years in the making and releasing this month from Three Towers Press. With Renz, you are in the hands of a reliable guide and deft writer as he captures the fraternal bond of this unique band of heroes.
The author provides an inside look into the stereotypical locker room camaraderie, as well as the technical procedures of the profession. More importantly, though, we are able to glimpse the trials of an emotionally and physically demanding vocation – one steeped in morality, heartbreak, physical challenges and the pressure of split-second decisions that mean life or death.
Sometimes the only way to cope is with humor that might seem distasteful — but who can blame them? “Look, we see shit nobody should have to see,” says one character. “I know it’s sick…but that’s how we deal with it. Lost some good firefighters over the years who couldn’t.”
Renz is a firefighter-turned-storyteller. And how fitting, given what he describes as “an endless well of stories and colorful characters to draw from” spanning his years of fire service.
The rest of the review: https://booktrib.com/2019/06/beneath-...
August 18, 2020
Here’s why Gregory Lee Renz’s novel Beneath the Flames gets 5 stars in my opinion. First, it is a wonderful tale for our times. It is a story of heartache and betrayal, love, and redemption in which a guilt-ridden firefighter struggles to prove himself in inner-city Milwaukee. To paraphrase the novel’s tag line, it is the story of how the firefighter and a high-spirited city girl overcome biases and contempt for each other to fight for their lives against a vicious gang lord. Second, the writing is clear and lucid. For example, the scenes of firefighting are so masterfully written the reader can smell the smoke and feel the suffocating heat … and feel the fear … that accompanies heroism. And when we leave the city, Renz’s evocative writing allows you to smell freshly plowed fields, the manure of the milking shed, and even summer itself in the country. And third, the characters, the wonderfully shaped characters, are highly believable in their difficult, antagonistic, and conflicted relationships as you are drawn into the spellbinding, tension-filled, suspenseful plot full of discoveries and surprises. They are complex characters deftly drawn in wonderfully evocative prose. This is a novel that will linger long after the last page, and this is an author you will want to follow long after the last book.
June 3, 2019
Beneath the Flames begins with one of the best first chapters I have ever read, pitching us directly into the kind of action and raw emotion rarely found in a debut novel. Our heart aches for the main character Mitch as guilt drives him to seek distraction, purpose, and redemption by joining the Milwaukee Fire Department. His life on the farm and as a small-town volunteer fire fighter hasn’t exactly prepared him to cope with the inner city. He makes enemies, mistakes, and, surprisingly, some good friends, but all of these collide in a tightly woven plot that is both simultaneously heartbreaking and uplifting.
Renz’s skill as author is evident in the depth of each character and their dialogue and mannerisms—so much so that we feel as though we’ve met them all in real life. This is a book with serious themes and subjects; suicide, racism, gang violence, domestic abuse, sexual assault, murder and more. But this is also a story about hope, love, and family. Renz handles them all with a brave pen that isn’t squeamish with the tough parts.
Beneath the Flames is the kind of story we need in the world today—authentic and insightful. I guarantee you’ll be thinking about it long after you’ve finished reading.
Renz’s skill as author is evident in the depth of each character and their dialogue and mannerisms—so much so that we feel as though we’ve met them all in real life. This is a book with serious themes and subjects; suicide, racism, gang violence, domestic abuse, sexual assault, murder and more. But this is also a story about hope, love, and family. Renz handles them all with a brave pen that isn’t squeamish with the tough parts.
Beneath the Flames is the kind of story we need in the world today—authentic and insightful. I guarantee you’ll be thinking about it long after you’ve finished reading.
October 18, 2023
‘BENEATH THE FLAMES’ is a page turning urban adventure for ages 18+. [Spoiler alert!]
This mature themed novel is set in and near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It’s like ‘Chicago Fire’ on steroids, crossed with the grit of ‘Chicago PD’ and the violence of ‘American Gangster’ - tempered with a dollop of ‘The Princess Bride’ and smidgen of ‘Anne of Green Gables’. This is a book for women as well as men [I’m female]. I stayed up late reading it before bed EVERY night for 5 days – I didn’t want to put it down. I wanted to know what happens next! At several points, I teared up – the characters were so real – I felt their pain. And the last chapter was unexpected! This adventure is paced so well – it should be made into a movie!
A suggestion for future novels is to include a Table of Contents with Chapter titles.
I’m a voracious reader and devour adventure stories. This is an outstanding novel. Excellent! I’d place it up there with the classic adventure stories. I hope to read more adventures from Fire Captain Gregory! 5 stars!
This mature themed novel is set in and near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It’s like ‘Chicago Fire’ on steroids, crossed with the grit of ‘Chicago PD’ and the violence of ‘American Gangster’ - tempered with a dollop of ‘The Princess Bride’ and smidgen of ‘Anne of Green Gables’. This is a book for women as well as men [I’m female]. I stayed up late reading it before bed EVERY night for 5 days – I didn’t want to put it down. I wanted to know what happens next! At several points, I teared up – the characters were so real – I felt their pain. And the last chapter was unexpected! This adventure is paced so well – it should be made into a movie!
A suggestion for future novels is to include a Table of Contents with Chapter titles.
I’m a voracious reader and devour adventure stories. This is an outstanding novel. Excellent! I’d place it up there with the classic adventure stories. I hope to read more adventures from Fire Captain Gregory! 5 stars!
June 1, 2020
MUST BUY! Excellent book! With full Disclosure I purchased this from my local grocery store simply to support our volunteer firefighter. Wisconsin is no different than many States across this amazing country...most of our local Community Day’s and festivals been canceled for 2020 (The Revenue from the moving Carnival support our Volunteer firefighters and local Food pantries). This author is not only Talented but donating his profits to support the local firefighters! Yet, I found myself staying up late into the night the finish the story...something I have not done in many years! Thank you to the author and his amazing wife for giving what you can to help local communities stay strong! Simple PricelessI. hope the printing presses roll out 10k more!
June 8, 2019
Greg brings it all together on paper.
It's hard to believe that this is Greg's first book because he writes like a veteran author. Greg brings together the raw emotions and lifestyles some people in the inner city have to face every day. He is also able to show that if people come together and put their assumptions aside they can do good things together. His characters and plot lines are complex, but he does a masterful job of weaving them together so that you will have a hard time putting the book down. I stayed up later than I planned a few nights because I wanted to find out how he was going to tie this all up. Great job Greg, can't wait for your next book!
It's hard to believe that this is Greg's first book because he writes like a veteran author. Greg brings together the raw emotions and lifestyles some people in the inner city have to face every day. He is also able to show that if people come together and put their assumptions aside they can do good things together. His characters and plot lines are complex, but he does a masterful job of weaving them together so that you will have a hard time putting the book down. I stayed up later than I planned a few nights because I wanted to find out how he was going to tie this all up. Great job Greg, can't wait for your next book!
July 6, 2019
I am a retired firefighter, this book may be categorized as fiction but it rings very true. From the details of the fire house to the experience of crawling underneath a fire, to how firefighters talk to one another. Spot on! But this book contains more truth than that. Having served a quarter century in exactly the environment The author describes, he Unflinchingly tells about the problems firefighter encounter dealing with racial tension and PTSD.
The characters are well drawn and the story moves well with layers of symbolism And metaphor that strike chords in any reader. This book made me cry and laugh , sometimes at the same time. A great read! Fireman endorsed!
The characters are well drawn and the story moves well with layers of symbolism And metaphor that strike chords in any reader. This book made me cry and laugh , sometimes at the same time. A great read! Fireman endorsed!
May 27, 2021
There can be no doubt Greg Renz has weaved a story that will captivate any reader. The authenticity of a Firefighters working perspective, combined with the humanity that this profession evokes, creates a tale that touches on many aspects of individual and cultural folkways as well. As a career Firefighter myself, it is evident he has extensive first hand knowledge of 'what it takes' to succeed in this honorable profession and also provide a very intuitive understanding that goes 'beneath the flames' in allowing the reader to experience the gut-wrenching effects such work entails. The author and his work are deserving of every accolade given. Exceedingly well done!
July 27, 2019
What a Story
I heard an interview on WPR featuring the author...it intrigued me and I purchased the kindle version for my husband. Three days later I finished it! I was amazed by the authors ability to speak the truth about the ghetto, the goodness of people who live there in such adversity, the evil present in our world, including a great love story and the presence of God in all our lives. I had to force myself to put the book down to tend to daily responsibilities and needs.
I hope the author has another story in the making. Evie
I heard an interview on WPR featuring the author...it intrigued me and I purchased the kindle version for my husband. Three days later I finished it! I was amazed by the authors ability to speak the truth about the ghetto, the goodness of people who live there in such adversity, the evil present in our world, including a great love story and the presence of God in all our lives. I had to force myself to put the book down to tend to daily responsibilities and needs.
I hope the author has another story in the making. Evie
July 25, 2019
From the opening episode all the way to the final resolution, Greg spun one captivating tale after another - all tied together with a cast of characters that are at once both archetypal and believable. Greg said to me once that firefighters fill some of the unavoidable down time telling stories. He certainly has honed that skill as he polished this written version to a bright,shiny finish. “Beneath the Flames “ has been a delightful read. You’ll be glad you got started.
May 23, 2020
Gripping
I really couldn't put the book down....and then literally didn't want it to end. The writing, word usage along with the editing we're spot on. I have read so many books that I have stumbled through because of poor editing.......THIS ISN'T ONE OF THEM. Thanks for a great read, when is the next one going to be available?
I really couldn't put the book down....and then literally didn't want it to end. The writing, word usage along with the editing we're spot on. I have read so many books that I have stumbled through because of poor editing.......THIS ISN'T ONE OF THEM. Thanks for a great read, when is the next one going to be available?
April 18, 2021
I laughed, I cried, and now I want more!
This book.had
This book had me engraved
An amazing read, the characters seemed so real. Greg's writing comes alive and makes it easy to fall in love with these characters. One of the only books I've felt compelled to stay up late reading. Let's hope he will write more!
This book.had
This book had me engraved
An amazing read, the characters seemed so real. Greg's writing comes alive and makes it easy to fall in love with these characters. One of the only books I've felt compelled to stay up late reading. Let's hope he will write more!
February 2, 2024
honest portrayal of a firefighter
My father in law was a firefighter in Chicago. I swear I recognized some in the book as people I met in his firehouse. It is not a fun, light story, but the portrayal of the fire house and the inner city is something I think we should all know about it.
My father in law was a firefighter in Chicago. I swear I recognized some in the book as people I met in his firehouse. It is not a fun, light story, but the portrayal of the fire house and the inner city is something I think we should all know about it.
June 14, 2019
Captivating
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A compelling story of the internal struggles caused by self doubt and our failure to to recognize the effect our deeds have.
I couldn’t put it down.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A compelling story of the internal struggles caused by self doubt and our failure to to recognize the effect our deeds have.
I couldn’t put it down.
March 20, 2020
This book was captivating and hard to stop listening to. I couldn't wait to push play and hear what was going to happen next. Many times I caught myself thinking I knew what was going to happen next. It was one great message after another. I highly recommend this book!
June 2, 2020
Wonderful
I really loved this book. It is so sad and emotional in some places and it really makes you think about things that actually happen here in America. I was pretty upset at Jen for waiting so long to at least listen to Mitch.
I really loved this book. It is so sad and emotional in some places and it really makes you think about things that actually happen here in America. I was pretty upset at Jen for waiting so long to at least listen to Mitch.
December 23, 2021
Wisconsin author
My book club likes to find
local authors to read. This story combines rural and urban Wisconsin communities, and the struggles of families just trying to make it. Pick it up.
My book club likes to find
local authors to read. This story combines rural and urban Wisconsin communities, and the struggles of families just trying to make it. Pick it up.
February 3, 2024
Loved this book!! I am not an avid reader, and I could not put this book down.
As a veteran, that struggles with inner termoil, I could easily relate with the main character.
I would recommend this book!!
As a veteran, that struggles with inner termoil, I could easily relate with the main character.
I would recommend this book!!
April 21, 2025
Incredibly authentic, Beneath the Flames is a deep, realistic dive into the psyche of a firefighter. Renz is not afraid to write about frightening subjects, emotional trauma, or the raw truth about prejudice and injustice. This book by the real deal is a must read!
August 8, 2025
This was one of the best books I have read this year. From the very first page, I just couldn’t put it down. Such an emotional story. It was an amazing book. I am hoping there is more to come from the author? I believe this book is so good, it would be a fantastic movie.
June 16, 2019
This story had me in tears of sorrow, joy, and laughter. A true hero's journey!
June 24, 2019
Great read!
Mitch is the cumulative heart and soul of many of the firefighters O had the privilege of working with. Generous, kind and tough. Loved the book!
Mitch is the cumulative heart and soul of many of the firefighters O had the privilege of working with. Generous, kind and tough. Loved the book!
September 9, 2019
This is an excellent book. I’m not generally an adventure fan but this was so well done I couldn’t put it down
April 26, 2020
Happygolucky
Fantastic read. Could not put it down. It keeps you in suspense to the very end. Great read for everyone.
Fantastic read. Could not put it down. It keeps you in suspense to the very end. Great read for everyone.
April 27, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I read it in a little over a day. Great characters, plot and easy reading.
June 2, 2020
Such a gripping tale of a farm boy finding his way into adulthood. Twists and turns along with the way...very captivating.
May 29, 2021
The protagonist, Mitch Garner, is my kind of hero—a truly good man scarred by the past just trying to get his life on track. Shaken by loss, he attempts to redeem himself and leaves his family farm to join the Milwaukee Fire Department.
The authenticity and sensitivity to the issues he faces in the inner city were inspiring. I was impressed with the author’s knowledge of firefighting, but also his obvious experience in both farming and the ghettos of Milwaukee.
I couldn’t finish the book in a single sitting, but I honestly wished I could have. Reluctantly, I had to set it down, only to return eagerly to discover how the protagonist would solve his problems and discover his true calling.
“Beneath the Flames” is award-winning for good reason. The author deserves the kudos for a heart-warming story that resonated with this reader.
The authenticity and sensitivity to the issues he faces in the inner city were inspiring. I was impressed with the author’s knowledge of firefighting, but also his obvious experience in both farming and the ghettos of Milwaukee.
I couldn’t finish the book in a single sitting, but I honestly wished I could have. Reluctantly, I had to set it down, only to return eagerly to discover how the protagonist would solve his problems and discover his true calling.
“Beneath the Flames” is award-winning for good reason. The author deserves the kudos for a heart-warming story that resonated with this reader.
January 24, 2022
Hard to put down. True to life.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews