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The Angela Hardwicke Mysteries #1
Crackle and Fire - An Angela Hardwicke SciFi Mystery
"Russ Colchamiro has staked out a territory uniquely his own: Angela Hardwicke is a science fictional female PI and damn good at what she does. He mines a vein of pulp fiction gold that's all his. Let's hope he doesn't walk away from the table." --Nicholas Meyer, writer/director, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
For fans of Doctor Who, Blade Runner and Philip Marlowe...
Angela Hardwicke isn’t just any private eye.
She’s a PI from Eternity, the cosmic realm responsible for the design, creation, and maintenance of the Universe.
When accountant Gil Haberseau hires her to find an intern with stolen corporate files, Hardwicke soon finds herself embroiled in a deadly case of lies, intrigue, and murder, clashing with vengeful gangsters, MinderNot rallies, and a madman who’s come a long way to get what he wants.
In Russ Colchamiro’s thrilling Sci-Fi mystery Crackle and Fire, Angela Hardwicke learns once and for all that when it comes to being an intergalactic private eye, there’s no telling what threats she may face on-realm and off… including the demons that lurk deep within her soul.
Bonus story included! The AI-themed Angela Hardwicke murder mystery, “The Case of Jarlo’s Buried Treasure”
For fans of Doctor Who, Blade Runner and Philip Marlowe...
Angela Hardwicke isn’t just any private eye.
She’s a PI from Eternity, the cosmic realm responsible for the design, creation, and maintenance of the Universe.
When accountant Gil Haberseau hires her to find an intern with stolen corporate files, Hardwicke soon finds herself embroiled in a deadly case of lies, intrigue, and murder, clashing with vengeful gangsters, MinderNot rallies, and a madman who’s come a long way to get what he wants.
In Russ Colchamiro’s thrilling Sci-Fi mystery Crackle and Fire, Angela Hardwicke learns once and for all that when it comes to being an intergalactic private eye, there’s no telling what threats she may face on-realm and off… including the demons that lurk deep within her soul.
Bonus story included! The AI-themed Angela Hardwicke murder mystery, “The Case of Jarlo’s Buried Treasure”
- GenresScience FictionMystery
284 pages, Paperback
First published July 14, 2020
8 people are currently reading
483 people want to read
About the author
Russ Colchamiro
36 books265 followersRUSS COLCHAMIRO is the author of Crackle and Fire, Fractured Lives, Hot Ash, Blunt Force Rising, and Trigger Point, the first five books in the sci-fi thriller series featuring his hardboiled intergalactic private detective Angela Hardwicke. He is also the author of the rollicking space adventure, Crossline, the zany sci-fi backpacking series Finders Keepers, Genius de Milo, and Astropalooza, editor of the sci-fi mystery anthology, Love, Murder & Mayhem, and contributing author for his newest project, Murder in Montague Falls, a noir novella collection, all with Crazy 8 Press.
Russ has contributed to several other anthologies including Tales of the Crimson Keep, Pangaea, They Keep Killing Glenn, Altered States of the Union, Thrilling Adventure Yarns, Brave New Girls vols. 3&4, Camelot 13, TV Gods 2, and Footprints in the Stars.
He is now writing the fifth book in the Angela Hardwicke series.
In addition, Russ hosts the Rockin' Rollercoaster podcast, where he interviews various Sci-Fi, mystery, crime, thriller, and horror authors.
Russ lives in New Jersey with his wife and their twin ninjas.
For more on Russ’s works, visit www.russcolchamiro.com, and follow him on Facebook, Blue Sky, YouTube and Instagram @AuthorDudeRuss.
Russ has contributed to several other anthologies including Tales of the Crimson Keep, Pangaea, They Keep Killing Glenn, Altered States of the Union, Thrilling Adventure Yarns, Brave New Girls vols. 3&4, Camelot 13, TV Gods 2, and Footprints in the Stars.
He is now writing the fifth book in the Angela Hardwicke series.
In addition, Russ hosts the Rockin' Rollercoaster podcast, where he interviews various Sci-Fi, mystery, crime, thriller, and horror authors.
Russ lives in New Jersey with his wife and their twin ninjas.
For more on Russ’s works, visit www.russcolchamiro.com, and follow him on Facebook, Blue Sky, YouTube and Instagram @AuthorDudeRuss.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 27, 2020
In a nutshell: Angela Hardwicke is an intergalactic PI, borne of the school of hard knocks. When she is hired to track down a missing person and some stolen corporate files she becomes entangled in an underworld of violence and lies, and finds herself battling intergalactic gangsters and her very own inner demons along the way.
Crackle and Fire is pure escapism and I was hooked after the first chapter. Many of the chapters ended in cliff-hangers which kept me intrigued right to the end.
The world in which the story is set is immersive and captivating and I loved the imagination and creativity of Colchamiro in executing the setting - It was very well thought out. This mysterious new world was blended perfectly with the detective genre resulting in a brilliant mix of sci-fi and classic PI adventure.
Angela is a likeable yet hardened protagonist, with a backstory which enables the reader to connect with her and understand her decisions.
The story was fairly complicated and I confess I did have to re-read certain parts. There are many different threads and you will be wondering throughout how they will all come together in the end. But come together they do, in an explosive finale.
If you like sci-fi, detective noir, plenty of action and mystery then this is the book for you. I for one cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
Thank you to Blackthorn book tours for my ebook copy and for enabling me to be part of their book tour
Crackle and Fire is pure escapism and I was hooked after the first chapter. Many of the chapters ended in cliff-hangers which kept me intrigued right to the end.
The world in which the story is set is immersive and captivating and I loved the imagination and creativity of Colchamiro in executing the setting - It was very well thought out. This mysterious new world was blended perfectly with the detective genre resulting in a brilliant mix of sci-fi and classic PI adventure.
Angela is a likeable yet hardened protagonist, with a backstory which enables the reader to connect with her and understand her decisions.
The story was fairly complicated and I confess I did have to re-read certain parts. There are many different threads and you will be wondering throughout how they will all come together in the end. But come together they do, in an explosive finale.
If you like sci-fi, detective noir, plenty of action and mystery then this is the book for you. I for one cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
Thank you to Blackthorn book tours for my ebook copy and for enabling me to be part of their book tour
October 19, 2023
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CRACKLE AND FIRE: AN ANGELA HARDWICKE SCI-FI MYSTERY is one of those rare finds for me as a discerning indie book reader. Basically, it was a random buy. Unlike the majority of my books that I pick up based on word of mouth or reviews online by people I trust, I picked this one up because I saw its cover while searching for cyberpunk detective novels. I am a man of very specific genre tastes and guys (or gals) in fedoras investigating robots as well as cyber crimes is pretty much my jame. I recommend the Bubbles in Space by SC Jensen and Easytown novels by Brian Parker for other books in that vein.
Crackle and Fire isn’t precisely a cyberpunk novel, taking place in what’s more like Planescape’s Sigil from Dungeons and Dragons. Eternity is the center of the multiverse where the cosmic Minders, a bunch of uplifted humans, manage the creation and maintenance of reality. However, it’s generally no different from any other office grind with the rich, poor, crime, and all the usual hustles of a capitalistic society. The fact corporations may design solar systems doesn’t change the fact that its employees are paid almost nothing.
Angela Hardwicke is a former drug addict and present-day private eye as well as single mother. An accountant hires her to investigate a bunch of stolen files from his operation for recruiting agents operating across the multiverse. These might be related to a family of criminals that Angela Hardwicke ticked off earlier in her career when she was still abusing drugs. Angela doesn’t want to take the case but finds herself forced into the job.
Crackle and Fire has a few rough parts but overall makes the correct choice of which element of its sci-fi versus detective noir elements to emphasize. It goes very heavily on the film noir elements and there’s a large number of suspects as well as revelations that deal far more with bad childhoods as well as business deals gone wrong versus cosmic questions. Indeed, this story could have been done in a space station or more mundane sci-fi future without losing much but the oddities of the Minders of the Universe as well as their minions adds an interesting Star Trek’s Q-like atmosphere.
Angela is a great character and I very much enjoyed following her adventures throughout the book. She’s a streetwise but vulnerable character that is only now getting her life back together when she finds herself immersed in a bunch of conflicting stories from her client, suspects, and people who are supposedly her friends. The story has a number of dark twists that I also didn’t see coming, including the ending. The book mixes sci-fi and detective fiction in a way that never fails to entertain.
I actually enjoyed the short story, “The Case of Jarlo’s Buried Treasure” more than the main book and I really liked the main story. It is the Blade Runner-esque tale of an android sentenced to death for murder and Angela trying desperately to find something that will exonerate him before is execution. The story worked well for me and is a tightly written as well as extremely engaging in its characterization. Much more cyberpunk than the main book.
In conclusion, I say that Crackle and Fire is a great introduction to the world of Eternity and its stories. There’s a million stories in the naked city and we get to experience several of them. I also give credit to the writer for the fact that they’re not afraid to have their heroine fail and sometimes fail big. That’s one of the keys to a successful noir tale, IMHO.
CRACKLE AND FIRE: AN ANGELA HARDWICKE SCI-FI MYSTERY is one of those rare finds for me as a discerning indie book reader. Basically, it was a random buy. Unlike the majority of my books that I pick up based on word of mouth or reviews online by people I trust, I picked this one up because I saw its cover while searching for cyberpunk detective novels. I am a man of very specific genre tastes and guys (or gals) in fedoras investigating robots as well as cyber crimes is pretty much my jame. I recommend the Bubbles in Space by SC Jensen and Easytown novels by Brian Parker for other books in that vein.
Crackle and Fire isn’t precisely a cyberpunk novel, taking place in what’s more like Planescape’s Sigil from Dungeons and Dragons. Eternity is the center of the multiverse where the cosmic Minders, a bunch of uplifted humans, manage the creation and maintenance of reality. However, it’s generally no different from any other office grind with the rich, poor, crime, and all the usual hustles of a capitalistic society. The fact corporations may design solar systems doesn’t change the fact that its employees are paid almost nothing.
Angela Hardwicke is a former drug addict and present-day private eye as well as single mother. An accountant hires her to investigate a bunch of stolen files from his operation for recruiting agents operating across the multiverse. These might be related to a family of criminals that Angela Hardwicke ticked off earlier in her career when she was still abusing drugs. Angela doesn’t want to take the case but finds herself forced into the job.
Crackle and Fire has a few rough parts but overall makes the correct choice of which element of its sci-fi versus detective noir elements to emphasize. It goes very heavily on the film noir elements and there’s a large number of suspects as well as revelations that deal far more with bad childhoods as well as business deals gone wrong versus cosmic questions. Indeed, this story could have been done in a space station or more mundane sci-fi future without losing much but the oddities of the Minders of the Universe as well as their minions adds an interesting Star Trek’s Q-like atmosphere.
Angela is a great character and I very much enjoyed following her adventures throughout the book. She’s a streetwise but vulnerable character that is only now getting her life back together when she finds herself immersed in a bunch of conflicting stories from her client, suspects, and people who are supposedly her friends. The story has a number of dark twists that I also didn’t see coming, including the ending. The book mixes sci-fi and detective fiction in a way that never fails to entertain.
I actually enjoyed the short story, “The Case of Jarlo’s Buried Treasure” more than the main book and I really liked the main story. It is the Blade Runner-esque tale of an android sentenced to death for murder and Angela trying desperately to find something that will exonerate him before is execution. The story worked well for me and is a tightly written as well as extremely engaging in its characterization. Much more cyberpunk than the main book.
In conclusion, I say that Crackle and Fire is a great introduction to the world of Eternity and its stories. There’s a million stories in the naked city and we get to experience several of them. I also give credit to the writer for the fact that they’re not afraid to have their heroine fail and sometimes fail big. That’s one of the keys to a successful noir tale, IMHO.
February 19, 2021
Intergalactic detective.
Angela Hardwicke is a detective in Eternity. In Crackle and Fire, Russ Colehamiro has created an excellent blend of the detective novel with the sci-fi fantasy to create his own special genre. With clues found in unusual places and the underworld heavily involved, can Angela solve the mystery?
Angela Hardwicke is a detective in Eternity. In Crackle and Fire, Russ Colehamiro has created an excellent blend of the detective novel with the sci-fi fantasy to create his own special genre. With clues found in unusual places and the underworld heavily involved, can Angela solve the mystery?
September 26, 2020
I was really looking forward to reading this when I first got the tour information on this novel from the folks at Blackthorn Book Tours. However, by the time I finished reading Part I, I have to admit I was beyond irritated.
Now, please understand that I am NOT a huge feminist. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, I fully support women’s rights, it’s just the overt feminist thing is not my personality, although there is certainly a lot of it there. “Anything a man can do, I can do…and do it better.” That’s what the women in my family were taught. However, the majority of us tend to live more traditional lifestyles. I live a very, very traditional lifestyle. As close to 1950s Donna Reed/June Cleaver, as we can realistically get in this day and age.
Also, I worked in the beauty industry for over ten years as a practitioner, sales consultant, educator, distributor, every facet of the industry. When I wasn’t working in the industry, I was living with someone who was in the field my entire life. That being the case, I’ve worked with and been around all kinds of people from all walks of life, from all around the world. I’ve worked with women, men, straights and gays, transgenders, drag queens, transsexuals, old, young, middle aged, wealthy, poor, middle income, all races you can think of, all religions you can imagine.
I studied psychology and criminology in college. My father was also a cop for twelve years. I grew up around Law Enforcement and the legal system. I am friends with retired Law Enforcement, private investigators, lawyers and judges. I am friends with people who have been in jail or prison, or both. I know people that are in social work and rehabilitation work. My exposure to various types of individuals and various personalities has not been limited by any means.
I offer that explanation because I don’t want what I am about to write to come off as an uneducated and erratic woman being wickedly oversensitive to someone taking creative liberties. I have no problem with people taking creative liberties. I encourage and applaud such passion for their craft and the willingness to take those risks. That’s how masterpieces are made.
But as I was reading this book, I found a number of things that had they occurred once or twice, they wouldn’t have been a big deal. But they happened over and over and the way they just kept getting hammered into the manuscript with no apparent ties to the plot, it was just displeasing, I guess.
First, I noticed that the main character is written like a man in a woman’s body. She doesn’t seem to think like much like the average woman. She is very cocky and full of herself. Most women aren’t like that. Even in law enforcement. While women in law enforcement are stern or assertive, maybe even aggressive at times, to prove their equality, they rarely come off as rude and condescending as the author makes Hardwicke out to be.
Next, I’ve never in all my years met a woman who talks about herself in the erotic and provocative way as the author has Hardwicke speaking about herself. It’s like she talks about herself the same way men would if they were whispering about her in the office by the water cooler or the coffee bar. Most women find this kind of attention to be somewhat cheapening and disrespectful. It actually almost seems like Hardwicke sees women as objects and doesn’t really respect them at all. In fact, it almost feels like she doesn’t respect anyone.
For instance, the passage “My white T-shirt clings to my body, taut against the fabric.”. First of all, women don’t talk this way about themselves. A woman might say “my clothes were wet and clingy” or “my wet clothes were clinging to my body making them uncomfortable”. But adding the fact that it’s a white shirt in the rain and trying to create an image of a wet t-shirt contest, isn’t really drawing a respectful picture. Not to mention that the sentence doesn’t really flow right. The way it’s written it seems to imply that the shirt is taut against itself, which isn’t possible.
Plus, the constant random sexual references that seemingly have nothing to do with the plot. All the comments about a girl’s butt or her figure or how she’s making googly eyes at someone. All of the sexual stuff that is insinuated, it really needs to be pointed out in the blurb. This book almost reads like soft core porn with some detective stuff thrown in.
Now, if you have ever been to my website, it’s ALL horror and true crime. So, it takes a lot to offend me or ruffle my feathers. Bottom line is I just don’t think this author has a handle on writing for a female lead. If the main character was a male, I think the story would play a lot better. But as a female, she just comes off wrong in all the worst ways. And, in the end, it just got too frustrating to continue to read as all these little things started to pile up. By the time I got a few chapters into Part II, I just decided I couldn’t read any more.
I really do wish that the main character had been more appealing for what I felt was supposed to be a powerful and empowering role. Instead, the personality portrayed puts the whole manuscript on a somewhat acidic note that continues to sour and ferment as we continue through what would otherwise be an incredibly fascinating story full of suspense, tension and adventure.
RATINGS
1/5 Stars
Now, please understand that I am NOT a huge feminist. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, I fully support women’s rights, it’s just the overt feminist thing is not my personality, although there is certainly a lot of it there. “Anything a man can do, I can do…and do it better.” That’s what the women in my family were taught. However, the majority of us tend to live more traditional lifestyles. I live a very, very traditional lifestyle. As close to 1950s Donna Reed/June Cleaver, as we can realistically get in this day and age.
Also, I worked in the beauty industry for over ten years as a practitioner, sales consultant, educator, distributor, every facet of the industry. When I wasn’t working in the industry, I was living with someone who was in the field my entire life. That being the case, I’ve worked with and been around all kinds of people from all walks of life, from all around the world. I’ve worked with women, men, straights and gays, transgenders, drag queens, transsexuals, old, young, middle aged, wealthy, poor, middle income, all races you can think of, all religions you can imagine.
I studied psychology and criminology in college. My father was also a cop for twelve years. I grew up around Law Enforcement and the legal system. I am friends with retired Law Enforcement, private investigators, lawyers and judges. I am friends with people who have been in jail or prison, or both. I know people that are in social work and rehabilitation work. My exposure to various types of individuals and various personalities has not been limited by any means.
I offer that explanation because I don’t want what I am about to write to come off as an uneducated and erratic woman being wickedly oversensitive to someone taking creative liberties. I have no problem with people taking creative liberties. I encourage and applaud such passion for their craft and the willingness to take those risks. That’s how masterpieces are made.
But as I was reading this book, I found a number of things that had they occurred once or twice, they wouldn’t have been a big deal. But they happened over and over and the way they just kept getting hammered into the manuscript with no apparent ties to the plot, it was just displeasing, I guess.
First, I noticed that the main character is written like a man in a woman’s body. She doesn’t seem to think like much like the average woman. She is very cocky and full of herself. Most women aren’t like that. Even in law enforcement. While women in law enforcement are stern or assertive, maybe even aggressive at times, to prove their equality, they rarely come off as rude and condescending as the author makes Hardwicke out to be.
Next, I’ve never in all my years met a woman who talks about herself in the erotic and provocative way as the author has Hardwicke speaking about herself. It’s like she talks about herself the same way men would if they were whispering about her in the office by the water cooler or the coffee bar. Most women find this kind of attention to be somewhat cheapening and disrespectful. It actually almost seems like Hardwicke sees women as objects and doesn’t really respect them at all. In fact, it almost feels like she doesn’t respect anyone.
For instance, the passage “My white T-shirt clings to my body, taut against the fabric.”. First of all, women don’t talk this way about themselves. A woman might say “my clothes were wet and clingy” or “my wet clothes were clinging to my body making them uncomfortable”. But adding the fact that it’s a white shirt in the rain and trying to create an image of a wet t-shirt contest, isn’t really drawing a respectful picture. Not to mention that the sentence doesn’t really flow right. The way it’s written it seems to imply that the shirt is taut against itself, which isn’t possible.
Plus, the constant random sexual references that seemingly have nothing to do with the plot. All the comments about a girl’s butt or her figure or how she’s making googly eyes at someone. All of the sexual stuff that is insinuated, it really needs to be pointed out in the blurb. This book almost reads like soft core porn with some detective stuff thrown in.
Now, if you have ever been to my website, it’s ALL horror and true crime. So, it takes a lot to offend me or ruffle my feathers. Bottom line is I just don’t think this author has a handle on writing for a female lead. If the main character was a male, I think the story would play a lot better. But as a female, she just comes off wrong in all the worst ways. And, in the end, it just got too frustrating to continue to read as all these little things started to pile up. By the time I got a few chapters into Part II, I just decided I couldn’t read any more.
I really do wish that the main character had been more appealing for what I felt was supposed to be a powerful and empowering role. Instead, the personality portrayed puts the whole manuscript on a somewhat acidic note that continues to sour and ferment as we continue through what would otherwise be an incredibly fascinating story full of suspense, tension and adventure.
RATINGS
1/5 Stars
October 1, 2020
After the crazy Finders Keepers series, which gave us a gobsmacked taste of what the governing realm “Eternity” does to earth, Russ Colchamiro gives us a whole new take on that exalted domain, where galaxies are built and controlled and contained… and where occasional forays into abducting little earthmen for genuine research can go horribly, horribly wrong. Especially when there’s a tad bit of bad faith involved, and the creators of the universe are having a spot of bother keeping their own little bit of it together…
Sachaying deftly from the territory of “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure” into that of Phillip Marlow and V. I. Warshawski, with a quick pirouette into Jules Verne territory on the backstep (not a dance move that many have attempted) Russ Colchamiro now starts a whole new series, featuring Angela Hardwicke, a Private Investigator from the cosmic realm. Crackle and Fire is a racy pacey adventure where she has to unravel a shed load of lies, and catch a psychopath who is neither what nor who he seems, and save the top city of Eternity from a terrible catastrophe. (All this while also struggling with a major addiction problem, a painfully problematic motherhood, and a love-life that seems to be pulling in all too many directions - even though she doesn’t seem to notice).
Hold onto your hat (hers is a fedora, so heaven knows how she keeps it on) as you rush through multiple dimensions, multiple plotlines and a whole cast of delicious side kicks. You won’t always understand quite what’s going on. Don’t worry. Just enjoy it.
Sachaying deftly from the territory of “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure” into that of Phillip Marlow and V. I. Warshawski, with a quick pirouette into Jules Verne territory on the backstep (not a dance move that many have attempted) Russ Colchamiro now starts a whole new series, featuring Angela Hardwicke, a Private Investigator from the cosmic realm. Crackle and Fire is a racy pacey adventure where she has to unravel a shed load of lies, and catch a psychopath who is neither what nor who he seems, and save the top city of Eternity from a terrible catastrophe. (All this while also struggling with a major addiction problem, a painfully problematic motherhood, and a love-life that seems to be pulling in all too many directions - even though she doesn’t seem to notice).
Hold onto your hat (hers is a fedora, so heaven knows how she keeps it on) as you rush through multiple dimensions, multiple plotlines and a whole cast of delicious side kicks. You won’t always understand quite what’s going on. Don’t worry. Just enjoy it.
September 28, 2020
Crackle and Fire is a nail-biting intergalactic manhunt full of intrigue, murder, and a drugs angle. I enjoyed the author’s writing style where he mixes up fast-paced action with some serious soul-searching.
I liked this particular quote:
Because being an addict is to crave what kills you. To be enslaved by a diseased parasite that whispers to you from a mouth with no lips, a voice with no face. It speaks to you in a dialect understood only by junkies.
It may be a bit difficult to understand the futuristic setting but it gets easier as you keep reading. There are some tough female characters and diverse names–something you don’t see a lot of in stories.
It isn’t quick reading because you need to take your time to piece together all the information that’s being thrown at you. Of course, if you have difficulty with torture and murder scenes, this book is not for you.
I enjoyed this story quite a bit once I’d gotten my bearings and I really wanted to know how it would all work out in the end.
(Thank you to Blackthorn Book Tours for my review copy!)
I liked this particular quote:
Because being an addict is to crave what kills you. To be enslaved by a diseased parasite that whispers to you from a mouth with no lips, a voice with no face. It speaks to you in a dialect understood only by junkies.
It may be a bit difficult to understand the futuristic setting but it gets easier as you keep reading. There are some tough female characters and diverse names–something you don’t see a lot of in stories.
It isn’t quick reading because you need to take your time to piece together all the information that’s being thrown at you. Of course, if you have difficulty with torture and murder scenes, this book is not for you.
I enjoyed this story quite a bit once I’d gotten my bearings and I really wanted to know how it would all work out in the end.
(Thank you to Blackthorn Book Tours for my review copy!)
Read
October 9, 2021Crackle and Fire - Angela Hardwicke - Intergalactic Private Eye - Book 1
Very interesting twist combining the world of mystery and Sci Fi!!
Angela Hardwicke isn’t just any private eye.
She’s a PI from Eternity, the cosmic realm responsible for the design, creation, and maintenance of the Universe.
When accountant Gil Haberseau hires her to find an intern with stolen corporate files, Hardwicke soon finds herself embroiled in a deadly case of lies, intrigue, and murder, clashing with vengeful gangsters, MinderNot rallies, and a madman who’s come a long way to get what he wants.
Sci Fi Mystery lovers will enjoy entering the realm!
Very interesting twist combining the world of mystery and Sci Fi!!
Angela Hardwicke isn’t just any private eye.
She’s a PI from Eternity, the cosmic realm responsible for the design, creation, and maintenance of the Universe.
When accountant Gil Haberseau hires her to find an intern with stolen corporate files, Hardwicke soon finds herself embroiled in a deadly case of lies, intrigue, and murder, clashing with vengeful gangsters, MinderNot rallies, and a madman who’s come a long way to get what he wants.
Sci Fi Mystery lovers will enjoy entering the realm!
December 20, 2020
Review:
Crackle and Fire is this magical mixture of scifi, fantasy, and mystery. I am obsessed with this book! I think the plot is absolutely fantastic!
The world building is brilliant. I very much enjoyed that it was familiar, but also different. I loved the mystery. The twists and turns were fantastic. It was such an intriguing plot.
Angela is a fantastic main character. I like how relatable and realistic she feels.
Overall, Crackle and Fire is fantastic. I really enjoyed the concept and I think it was unique. Highly recommended!!
Rating:
5/5☆
*I received a free copy of this book from RABT Book Tours in exchange for an honest review on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased .*
Crackle and Fire is this magical mixture of scifi, fantasy, and mystery. I am obsessed with this book! I think the plot is absolutely fantastic!
The world building is brilliant. I very much enjoyed that it was familiar, but also different. I loved the mystery. The twists and turns were fantastic. It was such an intriguing plot.
Angela is a fantastic main character. I like how relatable and realistic she feels.
Overall, Crackle and Fire is fantastic. I really enjoyed the concept and I think it was unique. Highly recommended!!
Rating:
5/5☆
*I received a free copy of this book from RABT Book Tours in exchange for an honest review on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased .*
September 29, 2020
A copy provided by Blackthorn Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
The book is about:
Angela Hardwicke, a private eye from Eternity, the cosmic realm responsible for the design, creation, and maintenance of the Universe. When accountant Gil Haberseau hires her to find an intern with stolen corporate files, Hardwicke soon finds herself embroiled in a deadly case of lies, intrigue, and murder, clashing with vengeful gangsters, MinderNot rallies, and a madman who’s come a long way to get what he wants. In Russ Colchamiro’sthrilling Sci-Fi mystery Crackle and Fire, Angela Hardwicke learns once and for all that when it comes to being an intergalactic PI, there’s no telling what threats she may face on-realm and off, including the demons that lurk deep within her soul.
My thoughts:
I do love a flawed character and Colchamiro delivers in his novel. Angela has made mistakes, serious mistakes that have made her feel a loss in her soul she doesn't know if she will have a chance to fix.
Positives of the story:
The LGTQ+ and POC representation were very pleasing to me. Sexuality felt very fluent in this story, which I loved and made the realm really appealing to me.
There are a lot of likeable side characters, for example, (I would say awesome and flirty assistant) Whistler, charming Camilla, irresistible Nini, and so many more. Everyone a little different, but no less appealing.
This book is full of something I would call "the weird" - beings that control (are) the universe, different reals, portal " magic", etc. ANd it is in the centre of the book.
The book is a great start to a series, but also can be read as a standalone if you're scared of commitment. The ending wraps up quite nicely.
Negatives of the story:
Unfortunately I myself didn't connect to our protagonist, even though I also am a mother, I also have seen how easy people can fall into substance abuse and why. Even though there was so much that could have connected us, she felt disconnected. That is why I never really truly cared about what happened with Angela in the end and don't feel like I will continue with the series.
Another part I didn't like - dRods. I thought that the concept of such a drug was interesting, but the delivery sometimes annoyed me. It was probably because I have learned a lot about DNA etc. during my time at University and it keeps me from connecting universe fiction with something I know as much of.
I'm giving this book 3,5 stars because I did like it, I did enjoy reading it, but unfortunately, Angela will not stick in my head and heart. She just didn't make the cut of the strong, badass feminist list I have built during my reading life. But my reading life is quite long and full of badass females, so I'm a hush judge.
Overall, if you want to have an adventure that defiantly is out of this world, but still feels like something that this world could be in the future with a little sprinkle of sci-fi magic, I defiantly suggest checking it out.
The book is about:
Angela Hardwicke, a private eye from Eternity, the cosmic realm responsible for the design, creation, and maintenance of the Universe. When accountant Gil Haberseau hires her to find an intern with stolen corporate files, Hardwicke soon finds herself embroiled in a deadly case of lies, intrigue, and murder, clashing with vengeful gangsters, MinderNot rallies, and a madman who’s come a long way to get what he wants. In Russ Colchamiro’sthrilling Sci-Fi mystery Crackle and Fire, Angela Hardwicke learns once and for all that when it comes to being an intergalactic PI, there’s no telling what threats she may face on-realm and off, including the demons that lurk deep within her soul.
My thoughts:
I do love a flawed character and Colchamiro delivers in his novel. Angela has made mistakes, serious mistakes that have made her feel a loss in her soul she doesn't know if she will have a chance to fix.
Positives of the story:
The LGTQ+ and POC representation were very pleasing to me. Sexuality felt very fluent in this story, which I loved and made the realm really appealing to me.
There are a lot of likeable side characters, for example, (I would say awesome and flirty assistant) Whistler, charming Camilla, irresistible Nini, and so many more. Everyone a little different, but no less appealing.
This book is full of something I would call "the weird" - beings that control (are) the universe, different reals, portal " magic", etc. ANd it is in the centre of the book.
The book is a great start to a series, but also can be read as a standalone if you're scared of commitment. The ending wraps up quite nicely.
Negatives of the story:
Unfortunately I myself didn't connect to our protagonist, even though I also am a mother, I also have seen how easy people can fall into substance abuse and why. Even though there was so much that could have connected us, she felt disconnected. That is why I never really truly cared about what happened with Angela in the end and don't feel like I will continue with the series.
Another part I didn't like - dRods. I thought that the concept of such a drug was interesting, but the delivery sometimes annoyed me. It was probably because I have learned a lot about DNA etc. during my time at University and it keeps me from connecting universe fiction with something I know as much of.
I'm giving this book 3,5 stars because I did like it, I did enjoy reading it, but unfortunately, Angela will not stick in my head and heart. She just didn't make the cut of the strong, badass feminist list I have built during my reading life. But my reading life is quite long and full of badass females, so I'm a hush judge.
Overall, if you want to have an adventure that defiantly is out of this world, but still feels like something that this world could be in the future with a little sprinkle of sci-fi magic, I defiantly suggest checking it out.
March 12, 2021
A very new noir thriller, with a strong female protagonist. [no spoilers]
Angela Hardwick is a private detective caught up in a twisty investigation, full of intrigue, lies, murder, corporate espionage and deadly gangsters—but that’s just the beginning! Colchamiro’s Crackle and Fire is an exciting blend of SciFi, fantasy and a compelling PI noir tale.
Colchamiro’s heroine is a blunt, wry gumshoe battling her own demons as she digs into an investigation that is anything but what it seems. Existence itself hangs in the balance.
The writing is crisp, and the dialogue is swift and canny. It’s tightly plotted with an excellent, appealing supporting cast of characters. The blended genres could have got out of control in less sure hands than Colchamiro’s. But in fact, they give space for big questions of love, destiny and the role of the past in making us who we are. These questions come together for Hardwicke, but don’t resolve—a true, and very new noir thriller. One for the ages.
My only criticism of the book—and it’s really only a quibble—is that I wanted more about the nature of Hardwicke’s world, called Eternity. Fortunately, there are more Hardwicke tales on the way. Highly recommended!
Angela Hardwick is a private detective caught up in a twisty investigation, full of intrigue, lies, murder, corporate espionage and deadly gangsters—but that’s just the beginning! Colchamiro’s Crackle and Fire is an exciting blend of SciFi, fantasy and a compelling PI noir tale.
Colchamiro’s heroine is a blunt, wry gumshoe battling her own demons as she digs into an investigation that is anything but what it seems. Existence itself hangs in the balance.
The writing is crisp, and the dialogue is swift and canny. It’s tightly plotted with an excellent, appealing supporting cast of characters. The blended genres could have got out of control in less sure hands than Colchamiro’s. But in fact, they give space for big questions of love, destiny and the role of the past in making us who we are. These questions come together for Hardwicke, but don’t resolve—a true, and very new noir thriller. One for the ages.
My only criticism of the book—and it’s really only a quibble—is that I wanted more about the nature of Hardwicke’s world, called Eternity. Fortunately, there are more Hardwicke tales on the way. Highly recommended!
July 12, 2021
Crackle and Fire: An Angela Hardwicke Mystery by Russ Colchamiro combines compelling characters with noir-mystery and sci-fi tropes and blasts them into exciting new territory.
What is the audience for this work of speculative fiction? This is from the book’s description on Bookshop.org:
“[Crackle and Fire: An Angela Hardwicke Sci-Fi Mystery is] For fans of Doctor Who, Blade Runner and Philip Marlowe…”
Crackle and Fire: An Angela Hardwicke Mystery, science fiction, sci-fi, Russ Colchamiro, crackle and fire, angela hardwicke, angela hardwicke mystery
And Crackle and Fire is just the first in The Angela Hardwicke Mysteries Book 1 series. Book 2 is coming in the not-too-distant future.
The following book review of Crackle and Fire: An Angela Hardwicke Mystery contains **MILD SPOILERS for the book’s plot in the opening.
Read the rest of the review here
https://theforgottenfiction.com/crack...
What is the audience for this work of speculative fiction? This is from the book’s description on Bookshop.org:
“[Crackle and Fire: An Angela Hardwicke Sci-Fi Mystery is] For fans of Doctor Who, Blade Runner and Philip Marlowe…”
Crackle and Fire: An Angela Hardwicke Mystery, science fiction, sci-fi, Russ Colchamiro, crackle and fire, angela hardwicke, angela hardwicke mystery
And Crackle and Fire is just the first in The Angela Hardwicke Mysteries Book 1 series. Book 2 is coming in the not-too-distant future.
The following book review of Crackle and Fire: An Angela Hardwicke Mystery contains **MILD SPOILERS for the book’s plot in the opening.
Read the rest of the review here
https://theforgottenfiction.com/crack...
September 27, 2020
Interesting premise and refreshing to see a female private investigator, but unfortunately the novel didn’t quite gel for me. The lead character, Angela Hardwicke, seemed 2 dimensional and I felt that I was missing out on the world building for not having read the author’s previous series where it was introduced.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2020
Super short: Enjoyed the book. Intrigued by anything saying it's for fans of Doctor Who. The world building is pretty much ignored since it was covered in previous series. Which would be great if I had read those. Since I hadn't, I felt lost and couldn't connect as much to this story. Which sucks, because I really did like it.
September 27, 2020
This is billed as a book for lovers of Doctor Who (amongst others). More than half a century ago I was wowed by the very first episode of same; last week I slept in a house with a six foot Dalek outside my bedroom (seriously); in between I’ve always been a fan of that sort of stuff - so trust me, this is a book I had to read!
Wasn’t disappointed.
This merry drama is quite in the tradition of that admirable super-series, and I’ll be happy for its cast to have just as many episodes, even though I’ll have to regenerate to watch the later ones. Turns out the universe is not being run by God or TimeLords or Bill Gates, but by a bunch of superhuman “Minders”, who operate from swanky office blocks in another realm. And of course, in the tradition of Doctor Who, the universe is under threat, and in the absence of some seriously smart input from a super-competent inhabitant of an off-world realm, its destruction is imminent.
Our heroine, Angela Hardwicke, isn’t Doctor Who (she’s much more badass than the recent female one and much less messianic than David Tennant, the best of the recent men) but she’s an interesting creation – recovering (sort of) addict, sharp shooter, failed mum … and despite some dalliance with a male-looking Minder (who can tell? They aren’t human), she’s clearly got some issues with sexual orientation... Loved her.
Still in the tradition of Doctor Who, the out-of-world realm (“Eternity”) did seem largely indistinguishable from the world we're otherwise bored with. Everyone seemed to have a familiar job and everyday worries, and instead of futuristic jumpsuits (think Star Strek) its population appeared to be dressed exclusively in 1990s gear from the high street. (Our heroine favours pin-stripes, a fedora and a big trench coat – but she’s a private eye, so of course she does.) As for world building – and I’ve read some reviews that praised this, so I must have missed something – I couldn’t see any of that except for the constant iteration of unusual celestial features – pink and green skies, supernumerary moons and so on. Everything at ground level seemed amusingly familiar. There were office blocks, burger joints, a florist, a laundromat (Really? A laundromat???) I loved this banality, which I take to be some sassy kind of homage to the era when Doctor Who was being shot in a Welsh seaside city, before CGI, when the props department made monsters out of toilet rolls, and the whole of the wardrobe department would fit into …. well, a wardrobe. (If it’s not an homage to such times, then heaven knows what it’s about, because CGI comes cheap in novels – it might be making some kind of philosophical point, but I was enjoying the story too much to worry about it).
It’s a great yarn – some classic cliché scenes (like the one in the warehouse where the goodies are tied up and the baddy is about to shoot them but delays too long – Doh! Phew! ) interwoven with neat twists, moments of emotion and a bit of good old fashioned detective work. Doctor Who meets Raymond Chandler. (Now that would make a good episode….)
This novel stands alone, but it’s also part of a series. Nice. As Raymond Chandler wrote “To say goodbye is to die a little.” All things considered I’m happy not to say goodbye to Angela Hardwicke.
Wasn’t disappointed.
This merry drama is quite in the tradition of that admirable super-series, and I’ll be happy for its cast to have just as many episodes, even though I’ll have to regenerate to watch the later ones. Turns out the universe is not being run by God or TimeLords or Bill Gates, but by a bunch of superhuman “Minders”, who operate from swanky office blocks in another realm. And of course, in the tradition of Doctor Who, the universe is under threat, and in the absence of some seriously smart input from a super-competent inhabitant of an off-world realm, its destruction is imminent.
Our heroine, Angela Hardwicke, isn’t Doctor Who (she’s much more badass than the recent female one and much less messianic than David Tennant, the best of the recent men) but she’s an interesting creation – recovering (sort of) addict, sharp shooter, failed mum … and despite some dalliance with a male-looking Minder (who can tell? They aren’t human), she’s clearly got some issues with sexual orientation... Loved her.
Still in the tradition of Doctor Who, the out-of-world realm (“Eternity”) did seem largely indistinguishable from the world we're otherwise bored with. Everyone seemed to have a familiar job and everyday worries, and instead of futuristic jumpsuits (think Star Strek) its population appeared to be dressed exclusively in 1990s gear from the high street. (Our heroine favours pin-stripes, a fedora and a big trench coat – but she’s a private eye, so of course she does.) As for world building – and I’ve read some reviews that praised this, so I must have missed something – I couldn’t see any of that except for the constant iteration of unusual celestial features – pink and green skies, supernumerary moons and so on. Everything at ground level seemed amusingly familiar. There were office blocks, burger joints, a florist, a laundromat (Really? A laundromat???) I loved this banality, which I take to be some sassy kind of homage to the era when Doctor Who was being shot in a Welsh seaside city, before CGI, when the props department made monsters out of toilet rolls, and the whole of the wardrobe department would fit into …. well, a wardrobe. (If it’s not an homage to such times, then heaven knows what it’s about, because CGI comes cheap in novels – it might be making some kind of philosophical point, but I was enjoying the story too much to worry about it).
It’s a great yarn – some classic cliché scenes (like the one in the warehouse where the goodies are tied up and the baddy is about to shoot them but delays too long – Doh! Phew! ) interwoven with neat twists, moments of emotion and a bit of good old fashioned detective work. Doctor Who meets Raymond Chandler. (Now that would make a good episode….)
This novel stands alone, but it’s also part of a series. Nice. As Raymond Chandler wrote “To say goodbye is to die a little.” All things considered I’m happy not to say goodbye to Angela Hardwicke.
August 28, 2020
Crackle and Fire is the first book in an upcoming series featuring a female private investigator called Angela Hardwicke. Set in a sci-fi galactic universe, the world itself is very intriguing to discover. The first book gives a good vibe of both the character of Angela Hardwicke as well as her network of friends and helpers that assist her in solving her cases. At the same time, this mystery and first case that she takes gives a foundation to the status of the world that it takes place in. There’s a lot of focus on style, the noir-esque crime and the underworld, the connection of this galactic settting and its connection to Earth.
The mystery itself also is executed rather well. There are layers to the story as it unfolds where this case feels a little like a case in a case as Angela Hardwicke starts connecting the dots. In a case that can easily step on some sensitive toes, there is a whole world that unveils in the process. There’s enough intrigue to want to know more and figure out those many questions and mysteries set out in the beginning and enough answers to unlock a few more elements. Adding in the science fiction elements to expand the location a little more and the technology also gives it a lot of character.
Overall, as a first book, Crackle and First is a good debut for the series. Its sets up a good foundation. There is enough set up for Angela Hardwicke’s character, giving her enough backstory to understand her more while seeing her true abilities. At the same time, she is a flawed character with a little mysterious vibe behind her that lingers in the background. There were some vibes of the Ava Lee series by Ian Hamilton that I’m a big fan of with how the mystery is constructed as well as the general concept of the female character design (although they do have their differences and has its own respective setting and expertise). To be comparable to that series is a compliment on my part. It’ll be interesting to see where this story takes Angela Hardwicke in the future books of the series. We already get a little idea as this book ended with a little bonus story.
The mystery itself also is executed rather well. There are layers to the story as it unfolds where this case feels a little like a case in a case as Angela Hardwicke starts connecting the dots. In a case that can easily step on some sensitive toes, there is a whole world that unveils in the process. There’s enough intrigue to want to know more and figure out those many questions and mysteries set out in the beginning and enough answers to unlock a few more elements. Adding in the science fiction elements to expand the location a little more and the technology also gives it a lot of character.
Overall, as a first book, Crackle and First is a good debut for the series. Its sets up a good foundation. There is enough set up for Angela Hardwicke’s character, giving her enough backstory to understand her more while seeing her true abilities. At the same time, she is a flawed character with a little mysterious vibe behind her that lingers in the background. There were some vibes of the Ava Lee series by Ian Hamilton that I’m a big fan of with how the mystery is constructed as well as the general concept of the female character design (although they do have their differences and has its own respective setting and expertise). To be comparable to that series is a compliment on my part. It’ll be interesting to see where this story takes Angela Hardwicke in the future books of the series. We already get a little idea as this book ended with a little bonus story.
September 25, 2020
Firstly I would like to thank Blackthorn Book Tours for an ebook edition of this book. Crackle and Fire by Russ Colchamiro is a brilliant novel. Perfect for fans of traditional Noir and Hard Boiled Detective fiction. I felt it really harked back to the days of the pulp novel but with a fresh new and thoroughly modern twist on the tried and tested formula. Starring P.I. Angela Hardwicke and a host of other engaging characters, this cosmic hard boiled crime story does exactly what it says on the tin. Angela is set the task of finding someone who has absconded with important documents. What follows is a trail of murder, mystery and mayhem with the occasional gangster thrown into the mix for good measure. The intergalactic setting may not be for everyone. To begin with it wasn’t completely my cup of tea... Stick with it though! You won’t be disappointed in the least. What’s more... This is the first in a series! So, many more adventures on the way. I’m sure I’ll be champing at the bit to go along for the ride!
July 12, 2021
Crackle and Fire: An Angela Hardwicke Mystery by Russ Colchamiro combines compelling characters with noir-mystery and sci-fi tropes and blasts them into exciting new territory.
What is the audience for this work of speculative fiction? This is from the book’s description on Bookshop.org:
“[Crackle and Fire: An Angela Hardwicke Sci-Fi Mystery is] For fans of Doctor Who, Blade Runner and Philip Marlowe…”
Crackle and Fire: An Angela Hardwicke Mystery, science fiction, sci-fi, Russ Colchamiro, crackle and fire, angela hardwicke, angela hardwicke mystery
And Crackle and Fire is just the first in The Angela Hardwicke Mysteries Book 1 series. Book 2 is coming in the not-too-distant future.
The following book review of Crackle and Fire: An Angela Hardwicke Mystery contains **MILD SPOILERS for the book’s plot in the opening.
Read the rest of my review here: https://theforgottenfiction.com/crack...
What is the audience for this work of speculative fiction? This is from the book’s description on Bookshop.org:
“[Crackle and Fire: An Angela Hardwicke Sci-Fi Mystery is] For fans of Doctor Who, Blade Runner and Philip Marlowe…”
Crackle and Fire: An Angela Hardwicke Mystery, science fiction, sci-fi, Russ Colchamiro, crackle and fire, angela hardwicke, angela hardwicke mystery
And Crackle and Fire is just the first in The Angela Hardwicke Mysteries Book 1 series. Book 2 is coming in the not-too-distant future.
The following book review of Crackle and Fire: An Angela Hardwicke Mystery contains **MILD SPOILERS for the book’s plot in the opening.
Read the rest of my review here: https://theforgottenfiction.com/crack...
February 6, 2021
An intriguing blend of Science Fiction with a hard boiled Private Investigator, Angela Hardwicke, who is on the hunt for a missing person and also some mislaid fireworks.
The story has a fun cast of characters including the criminal fraternity of E-Town (Capital of the Universe).
Angela has problems of her own - drug addiction and an estranged child - to add to her increasingly complicated tasks, neither of which are quite what they seem. The ending packs a punch but is in keeping with the rest of the book.
Russ Colchamiro has peened a fine story and there is also a Batman reference, which was nice. A enjoyable book and a clever concept. I hope that we see Angela Hardwicke again in the future.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story has a fun cast of characters including the criminal fraternity of E-Town (Capital of the Universe).
Angela has problems of her own - drug addiction and an estranged child - to add to her increasingly complicated tasks, neither of which are quite what they seem. The ending packs a punch but is in keeping with the rest of the book.
Russ Colchamiro has peened a fine story and there is also a Batman reference, which was nice. A enjoyable book and a clever concept. I hope that we see Angela Hardwicke again in the future.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2020
Mystery and Sci-Fi woven together seamlessly. I loved the way Colchamiro created a character who I rooted for from the beginning of the story. Hardwicke was so much more than a PI. She was feisty and fun to read about.
The story is so much more than mystery as well. I loved the world and how he was able to bring it to life through his words.
There are many themes all included in this book and I think that they are all brought together in the perfect way. They each add their own layer to the story as a whole.
Wonderful book, highly recommend to sci-fi and mystery lovers.
The story is so much more than mystery as well. I loved the world and how he was able to bring it to life through his words.
There are many themes all included in this book and I think that they are all brought together in the perfect way. They each add their own layer to the story as a whole.
Wonderful book, highly recommend to sci-fi and mystery lovers.
August 24, 2020
Crackle and Fire is an excellent start to a new series. If you're a fan of the old noir hard-boiled PIs, and you're a fan of sci-fi, you're going to LOVE this book. A brilliant twist blending two classic genres, Colchamiro absolutely brings Eternity to life with characters that could walk off the page and into your life (or perhaps with the right twist of fate you could walk into theirs). I can't wait for book two!!!
October 8, 2020
What an expertly done blend of multiple genres to bring us a vibrant world with wonderful characters and quite the thrilling mystery.
I’m not up to date on these books, but I definitely need to go back and read more about Angela. She was a great lead, I was hooked on her personality from the very beginning.
The colors on this cover just shout at you and the story holds up to that vibrancy.
Demons, Sci-Fi, Mystery, Action & Adventure, and so much more.
I’m not up to date on these books, but I definitely need to go back and read more about Angela. She was a great lead, I was hooked on her personality from the very beginning.
The colors on this cover just shout at you and the story holds up to that vibrancy.
Demons, Sci-Fi, Mystery, Action & Adventure, and so much more.
October 22, 2020
I totally read this book in one sitting... I couldn't put it down once I picked it up. It's quick with the pacing, has plenty of detail and action along the way to keep you turning those pages.
There was not a dull moment during my entire time of reading. As you read through you will find the scenes playing out in your head because of the entertaining and interesting scenes and plots throughout the story.
If you want to be kept on the edge of your seat, this is the way to go!
There was not a dull moment during my entire time of reading. As you read through you will find the scenes playing out in your head because of the entertaining and interesting scenes and plots throughout the story.
If you want to be kept on the edge of your seat, this is the way to go!
March 23, 2021
Crackle and Fire is a blend of sci-fi, mystery and thriller. I avoided this book at first because it was hard for me to visualize the futuristic setting but got easier as i delve deeper in the book. The plot structure was great and so was the character designs, i like their backstories too. The unraveling of the mysteries in the climax was an exhilarating experience. Overall a good book. :)
(Copy provided by Henry Roi)
(Copy provided by Henry Roi)
March 29, 2021
Crackle and Fire
Author: Russ Colchamiro
Publisher: Crazy 8 Press
Year: 2020
This book is very well written with very fetching dialogue. It is an intergalactic mystery book and fascinating adventure with very strong characters. There are surprises in store.
Russ is an author of many more adventures and he has contributed to several anthologies. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and family.
Author: Russ Colchamiro
Publisher: Crazy 8 Press
Year: 2020
This book is very well written with very fetching dialogue. It is an intergalactic mystery book and fascinating adventure with very strong characters. There are surprises in store.
Russ is an author of many more adventures and he has contributed to several anthologies. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and family.
October 15, 2020
An imaginative and brilliant story with so much action all entwined with a wonderfully depicted universe.
I felt engulfed in the story from the get-go. I love how we get the background of a Sci-Fi world and characters, but at the heart is a true mystery feel. I can get lost in a mystery book any day.
Mystery, action and conflict, fast moving and full of dilemmas. Wonderfully written and leaves you wanting more from the world!
I felt engulfed in the story from the get-go. I love how we get the background of a Sci-Fi world and characters, but at the heart is a true mystery feel. I can get lost in a mystery book any day.
Mystery, action and conflict, fast moving and full of dilemmas. Wonderfully written and leaves you wanting more from the world!
October 2, 2020
It is difficult to successfully mix genres and come up with a story that will please both sides, especially when you combine hard-boiled private eyes fiction with multiversal science fiction and set it in the center of that multiverse. After reading an advance copy of Crackle and Fire I can tell you that Russ Colchamiro pulled off the trick beautifully. He took ingredients from both genres , deftly mixed them together and came up win a winning recipe. A great setting, a real threat to well, everything, and a dogged private eye who's not perfect but is working her way toward it. I can't wait to read the next one.
October 2, 2020
5 Stars
Crackle and Fire is Colchamiro's best novel yet! An amazing combination of science fiction, fantasy and private eye noir with a story full of twists and turns that knocked me out. Loved it! Book 2 can't come soon enough.
Crackle and Fire is Colchamiro's best novel yet! An amazing combination of science fiction, fantasy and private eye noir with a story full of twists and turns that knocked me out. Loved it! Book 2 can't come soon enough.
October 2, 2020
Wow. Crackle and Fire blew me away. I wasn't sure how science fiction and a private eye story would come together, but it had me on the edge of my seat and guessing all the way. Angela Hardwicke is an amazing character. I can't wait for book 2. What a fantastic ride!
July 24, 2022
Crackle and Fire is a sci-fi mystery story, but what really appealed to me was the pulpish-looking cover art suggesting a traditional detective story written in the noir style. That is exactly what this story is! The principal character, Angela Hardwicke, is a hard-nosed private investigator for hire. But a great character is not all there is to it, there is also a great backdrop of world-building for Angela to play in. When you also throw in good old-fashioned private eye sarcasm and cynicism, you get an eminently entertaining tale of intrigue.
There is so much to like about Crackle and Fire, I hardly know where to begin. I'll just start out with calling it a fun and entertaining rollercoaster ride.
In the blurb, it is said the story is a combination of Dr. Who, Blade Runner, and Philip Marlowe all rolled into one. All those elements are part of the tale.
Angela is a P.I. who knows her business and has a reputation for getting the job done. When she is approached by a man who wants her to track down some stolen corporate files, it sounds like an easy open and shut case. It turns out it is anything but easy as she must fight her way through a web of lies, being chased by elements of organized crime, a mysterious murder, and an insane malevolent traveler who us willing to travel long distances to get what he wants. Add to that her struggle with her own personal problems and nothing is easy for our hero as she works diligently to untie knot after knot, plodding through hopefully to a successful conclusion.
Our principal character, Angela, is a P.I. from a place called Eternity where the universe is regulated. So, she's not just any gumshoe, and she has the smarts and instincts to rise above the pack. My favorite thing about her is how she handles herself when confronted by difficult situations. She never breaks character and stays just as hard-boiled as any other time. But there is more to her. She has a personal demon she is constantly fighting, and sometimes it gets the best of her. Her demon exists as a psychoactive drug that is powerful and holds one like a pair of vice grips. Angela is desperately trying not to give in to her addictions because if she does, she will forever lose what she cares most about.
No, I will not tell you, you're going to have to do your own investigation - read the book.
The entire tale is told through Angela's eyes. We get everything from her narrative, and it is all great.
My favorite point of plot is all the swerves the reader will encounter as the story unfolds. It starts out pretty simple and there is a constant crescendo in the action and just when one thinks it is ending, there's a new twist, or another wrinkle. It is just layers upon layers of brilliant storytelling in Crackle and Fire.
My takeaway from this tale is to remember that one should never take anything for granted. Something may look easy, but one can never know everything, even if one is highly intelligent, it is impossible to predict every contingency, especially when there are other people involved.
I loved Crackle and Fire. I love the protagonist, the style it's written in, and the colorful world building. I recommend this for anyone who enjoys mysteries in the noir style of storytelling combined with science fiction. I am looking forward to the next books in this series.
There is so much to like about Crackle and Fire, I hardly know where to begin. I'll just start out with calling it a fun and entertaining rollercoaster ride.
In the blurb, it is said the story is a combination of Dr. Who, Blade Runner, and Philip Marlowe all rolled into one. All those elements are part of the tale.
Angela is a P.I. who knows her business and has a reputation for getting the job done. When she is approached by a man who wants her to track down some stolen corporate files, it sounds like an easy open and shut case. It turns out it is anything but easy as she must fight her way through a web of lies, being chased by elements of organized crime, a mysterious murder, and an insane malevolent traveler who us willing to travel long distances to get what he wants. Add to that her struggle with her own personal problems and nothing is easy for our hero as she works diligently to untie knot after knot, plodding through hopefully to a successful conclusion.
Our principal character, Angela, is a P.I. from a place called Eternity where the universe is regulated. So, she's not just any gumshoe, and she has the smarts and instincts to rise above the pack. My favorite thing about her is how she handles herself when confronted by difficult situations. She never breaks character and stays just as hard-boiled as any other time. But there is more to her. She has a personal demon she is constantly fighting, and sometimes it gets the best of her. Her demon exists as a psychoactive drug that is powerful and holds one like a pair of vice grips. Angela is desperately trying not to give in to her addictions because if she does, she will forever lose what she cares most about.
No, I will not tell you, you're going to have to do your own investigation - read the book.
The entire tale is told through Angela's eyes. We get everything from her narrative, and it is all great.
My favorite point of plot is all the swerves the reader will encounter as the story unfolds. It starts out pretty simple and there is a constant crescendo in the action and just when one thinks it is ending, there's a new twist, or another wrinkle. It is just layers upon layers of brilliant storytelling in Crackle and Fire.
My takeaway from this tale is to remember that one should never take anything for granted. Something may look easy, but one can never know everything, even if one is highly intelligent, it is impossible to predict every contingency, especially when there are other people involved.
I loved Crackle and Fire. I love the protagonist, the style it's written in, and the colorful world building. I recommend this for anyone who enjoys mysteries in the noir style of storytelling combined with science fiction. I am looking forward to the next books in this series.
September 29, 2020
Hi everyone!!! Me again with another book review! (No spoilers, I promise!) This time, I'm reviewing a book gifted to me by Blackthorn Book Tours, "Crackle and Fire" by Russ Colchamiro.
TL:DR: I give this book three stars. I really liked the story, the worldbuilding was interesting and I actually enjoyed the plot twists a lot. Also, unexpected endings are my jam. I did NOT see that ending coming. However, there is a lot to wish for in regards to the main character's voice and the rest of the cast. Angela reads like a try-hard detective. She's always talking about how much of an awesome private eye she is instead of just being one. There's too much internal monologue and all the other characters felt two-dimensional.
Again, the story is ok, just don't go in thinking you'll find award-winning prose here. (Might also be offensive for women readers.)
Prose: Honestly? It reads like a guy in a woman's body. It was just too jarring how Angela described other women and herself (Very sexualized and over the top.) No woman would refer to herself as Angela does. I also had an issue with how she would go from interrogation a character, then, out of nowhere, start thinking about her missing loved one or her addiction, and then jumped back to the interrogation. Most times, it was unnecessary and out of nowhere. It was like the author remembered he had to give Angela a backstory and threw those things in there at the worst possible times.
Story: I actually enjoyed the story. I was not expecting the plot twists thrown at us, and even though I was like WTF? at the ending, I liked how I did NOT see that ending coming. Happy to say there was not a deus-ex-machina, which many writers tend to turn to when things look hopeless for the characters. I also really enjoyed the worldbuilding. The concept of living at the heart of the universe and having everything be on the brink of collapse was a fun read.
Characters: I mean... they were there? Again, the author didn't bother much in giving the characters backstories or motivations. The sidekicks were just sidekicks, living and breathing for Angela, and Angela herself had minimal backstory (just random thoughts thrown here and there about it, like I said in the prose section.) I honesty liked the antagonists more because they were more fleshed out than the rest of the cast. Also, oversexualization of women by the woman main character. That was super cringey to read.
Who is this book for?
This book is for those who enjoy high fantasy/sci-fi mystery books who are not too picky about the main character's voice and who don't mind a woman main character who thinks she's better than everyone else.
TL:DR: I give this book three stars. I really liked the story, the worldbuilding was interesting and I actually enjoyed the plot twists a lot. Also, unexpected endings are my jam. I did NOT see that ending coming. However, there is a lot to wish for in regards to the main character's voice and the rest of the cast. Angela reads like a try-hard detective. She's always talking about how much of an awesome private eye she is instead of just being one. There's too much internal monologue and all the other characters felt two-dimensional.
Again, the story is ok, just don't go in thinking you'll find award-winning prose here. (Might also be offensive for women readers.)
Prose: Honestly? It reads like a guy in a woman's body. It was just too jarring how Angela described other women and herself (Very sexualized and over the top.) No woman would refer to herself as Angela does. I also had an issue with how she would go from interrogation a character, then, out of nowhere, start thinking about her missing loved one or her addiction, and then jumped back to the interrogation. Most times, it was unnecessary and out of nowhere. It was like the author remembered he had to give Angela a backstory and threw those things in there at the worst possible times.
Story: I actually enjoyed the story. I was not expecting the plot twists thrown at us, and even though I was like WTF? at the ending, I liked how I did NOT see that ending coming. Happy to say there was not a deus-ex-machina, which many writers tend to turn to when things look hopeless for the characters. I also really enjoyed the worldbuilding. The concept of living at the heart of the universe and having everything be on the brink of collapse was a fun read.
Characters: I mean... they were there? Again, the author didn't bother much in giving the characters backstories or motivations. The sidekicks were just sidekicks, living and breathing for Angela, and Angela herself had minimal backstory (just random thoughts thrown here and there about it, like I said in the prose section.) I honesty liked the antagonists more because they were more fleshed out than the rest of the cast. Also, oversexualization of women by the woman main character. That was super cringey to read.
Who is this book for?
This book is for those who enjoy high fantasy/sci-fi mystery books who are not too picky about the main character's voice and who don't mind a woman main character who thinks she's better than everyone else.
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