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Firebug
A psychologically, morally complex novel of blood ties, duty, crime, and retribution, set in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA and Mogford, Somerset, England, in which Maxwell Muggs must face a maniac arsonist and killer while trying to come to terms with a long-buried secret about his past.
Tension builds as an arson case involving a series of ten deliberate fires in a row throws him in the path of a group of powerful enemies.
As bodies begin to pile up, Maxwell realizes that finding the truth isn’t just about finishing his professional assignment… it’s about justice, about right and wrong… and it’s also about retribution.”
Tension builds as an arson case involving a series of ten deliberate fires in a row throws him in the path of a group of powerful enemies.
As bodies begin to pile up, Maxwell realizes that finding the truth isn’t just about finishing his professional assignment… it’s about justice, about right and wrong… and it’s also about retribution.”
- GenresFiction
385 pages, ebook
Published November 2, 2020
95 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 11, 2021
Maxwell Muggs is an investigative journalist. There have been three deaths and at least 19 fires set. He and his sister have been threatened.. by leaving a message on two tombstones... showing the future date of theri deaths. It is thought that city government is up to their eyeballs in corruption.
Max and his sister, Ruth, take this opportunity to leave the city without telling anyone that they are going to London. Max is to meet his birth father for the first time ..
The story here is well written ... but I feel the focus is of Max's personal life. How they meet, how they develop a relationship. But then Max's dies in a car accident ... but Max doesn't feel that it was an accident. So who would him dead .... and why?
The firebug part of the story gets solved .. although it was not much of a thriller. The firebug is known pretty early on .. it's just a matter of setting a trap. Actually Max's personal life was more of an interest than the crime portion.
There's plenty of action, a bit of romance, a hint of crime ... yet the ending left a lot to be desired. There is a bit of a cliff hanger .. but not enough to leave the reader anxious to read the next in line. It felt a bit unfinished for my taste.
Many thanks to the author / BooksGoSocial / Netgalley for the digital copy of FIREBUG. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
August 13, 2021
Full of Surprises
As Muggs helps the fire investigator for a series arsons, he leads to more actions with his sister. The story continues with more and more information, and more excitement. It ends with a new life for his and sister. Excitement and suspense make the book engrossing. The end is a great story.
As Muggs helps the fire investigator for a series arsons, he leads to more actions with his sister. The story continues with more and more information, and more excitement. It ends with a new life for his and sister. Excitement and suspense make the book engrossing. The end is a great story.
November 14, 2020
This was my first foray into Snowden’s work. As that, it was the one that convinced me I would be reading more from this author.
Firebug grabs you right from the first sentence. You find yourself in the main character’s [or what I assumed would be the main character] mindset while still not giving you too much to go on. Snowden uses this little anonymous introduction to draw you into what will prove to be an intriguing tale.
This is not a novel for the faint of read. It is of epic length, yet there is no part where it drags. You are all in from the start, and you stay invested to the last words.
What you will find in abundance, as you delve deeper into this tale, is suspense. Twists, turns, red herrings tossed at you. Like any good suspense novel, Firebug has plenty of those things. I found myself changing my mind often about how I thought the trajectory would go. I’ve never been all that great at getting to the solution before the book has totally unfolded. Snowden kept me on the edge of my seat – with a couple of interesting plot twists.
It is my understanding that the author plans to continue with this story, likely making it a trilogy. I look forward to them!
Caveat: you WILL find some profanity in Snowden’s work. Don’t let that alarm you; it’s in no way gratuitous, fitting in perfectly with the narrative in each instance.
[It was my pleasure to receive a pre-publication copy of Firebug for a BETA read. I was not in any way required to write a review. The opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.]
Firebug grabs you right from the first sentence. You find yourself in the main character’s [or what I assumed would be the main character] mindset while still not giving you too much to go on. Snowden uses this little anonymous introduction to draw you into what will prove to be an intriguing tale.
This is not a novel for the faint of read. It is of epic length, yet there is no part where it drags. You are all in from the start, and you stay invested to the last words.
What you will find in abundance, as you delve deeper into this tale, is suspense. Twists, turns, red herrings tossed at you. Like any good suspense novel, Firebug has plenty of those things. I found myself changing my mind often about how I thought the trajectory would go. I’ve never been all that great at getting to the solution before the book has totally unfolded. Snowden kept me on the edge of my seat – with a couple of interesting plot twists.
It is my understanding that the author plans to continue with this story, likely making it a trilogy. I look forward to them!
Caveat: you WILL find some profanity in Snowden’s work. Don’t let that alarm you; it’s in no way gratuitous, fitting in perfectly with the narrative in each instance.
[It was my pleasure to receive a pre-publication copy of Firebug for a BETA read. I was not in any way required to write a review. The opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.]
April 15, 2021
Good Mysteries Are Timeless
What a great read! Firebug delivered all the essentials I need to declare a mystery a success.
I like the author's style. He's clearly been inspired by classic mysteries and crime fiction. I see the main character, Maxwell Muggs, as ranging somewhere between Fletch and Lord Peter Wimsey, as portrayed by a 21st century Cary Grant. Muggs seems equally at home in America and in England. His transatlantic cruise ship voyage and subsequent jet-setting made my reading thoroughly pleasurable escapism.
It isn't a deep read, no foray into uncharted territory, and some of the characters seemed a bit two-dimensional, but it was well-paced and entertaining. The good guys were interesting and the bad guys suitably detestable. Snowdon's insertion of light humor carried the story along through the fairly grim terrain of arson, torture, and murder, allowing romantic liaisons to seem natural and unforced.
I especially enjoyed his tasteful handling of sex scenes, something I prefer to the more graphic depictions of some other authors. Just like violence in fiction, the author evidently knows that when it comes to sex, less can be much more.
I was fortunate to receive an advance reader's copy of the book via Author's XP. I recommend it to all mystery fans. I hope Maxwell Muggs, his sister Ruthie, and the rest will appear in many more adventures in the future!
What a great read! Firebug delivered all the essentials I need to declare a mystery a success.
I like the author's style. He's clearly been inspired by classic mysteries and crime fiction. I see the main character, Maxwell Muggs, as ranging somewhere between Fletch and Lord Peter Wimsey, as portrayed by a 21st century Cary Grant. Muggs seems equally at home in America and in England. His transatlantic cruise ship voyage and subsequent jet-setting made my reading thoroughly pleasurable escapism.
It isn't a deep read, no foray into uncharted territory, and some of the characters seemed a bit two-dimensional, but it was well-paced and entertaining. The good guys were interesting and the bad guys suitably detestable. Snowdon's insertion of light humor carried the story along through the fairly grim terrain of arson, torture, and murder, allowing romantic liaisons to seem natural and unforced.
I especially enjoyed his tasteful handling of sex scenes, something I prefer to the more graphic depictions of some other authors. Just like violence in fiction, the author evidently knows that when it comes to sex, less can be much more.
I was fortunate to receive an advance reader's copy of the book via Author's XP. I recommend it to all mystery fans. I hope Maxwell Muggs, his sister Ruthie, and the rest will appear in many more adventures in the future!
November 3, 2020
An investigation into a series of many deliberate fires in a row puts the investigative journalist Maxwell Muggs on the trail of a maniac killer in Snowden’s gripping latest.
Maxwell Muggs, an investigative reporter and a recovering gambler, gets involved in a case of suspicious fires around the city. Paired with Scarlett Sympson, an investigator with Albuquerque Fire Department, Maxwell begins to dig deeper into the case. By the time Maxwell and Scarlett realize how the case relates to a deeper conspiracy at city hall, they are the next targets.
Multidimensional, memorable characters enliven the narrative, and the second storyline involving the self-assured Reginald Muggs is both compelling and convincing.
Snowden tackles the issues of duty, responsibility, love, and corruption at higher levels as he brings his intricately crafted plot to its unpredictable end, at the same time leaving readers to ponder questions about the unpredictability of life and mortality and regret over life choices.
A compulsively readable book!
Maxwell Muggs, an investigative reporter and a recovering gambler, gets involved in a case of suspicious fires around the city. Paired with Scarlett Sympson, an investigator with Albuquerque Fire Department, Maxwell begins to dig deeper into the case. By the time Maxwell and Scarlett realize how the case relates to a deeper conspiracy at city hall, they are the next targets.
Multidimensional, memorable characters enliven the narrative, and the second storyline involving the self-assured Reginald Muggs is both compelling and convincing.
Snowden tackles the issues of duty, responsibility, love, and corruption at higher levels as he brings his intricately crafted plot to its unpredictable end, at the same time leaving readers to ponder questions about the unpredictability of life and mortality and regret over life choices.
A compulsively readable book!
March 19, 2021
Maxwell Muggs is an investigative reporter in Albuquerque. His sister called, nagging him to send in the DNA kit before the time expires. Max cons the fire chief to let him attend some interviews a department investigator will be doing with people who are recent victims of suspicious fires. And she is a knockout. Max convinces her to let him study her notes to see if he can spot any patterns in the fires. Before you know it, Max ia running a world wide corporation.
But before that happens,,,,,,
I can't give away any details, except that I really enjoyed this book. I think you'll like it too.
But before that happens,,,,,,
I can't give away any details, except that I really enjoyed this book. I think you'll like it too.
November 26, 2020
I have now read a number of different books by this accomplished author. They range in style from mythology (The Leprechaun Wars) through romance (White Swan Wishes) to this latest mystery thriller. The only thing that they have in common is great writing that grabs you and will not let you put the book down. Loved the main character, the investigative journalist Maxwell Muggs. Lots of twists and turns in a very layered story. Fortunately for me, the author haas promised a sequel!
April 13, 2021
Thanks netgally. Great story. Maxwell Muffs can read you with unbelievable accuracy. Which makes him the perfect person to question suspects of the rash of arson going on in his town. But someone thinks he's getting to close. Maxwell and his younger sister Ruthie must now go on the run. Thanks to an ancestry recent ancestry test they now have somewhere new to hide. This new family member could totally change Mass life.
April 2, 2022
FIREBUG by Wes Snowden is an action packed crime thriller that I truly enjoyed. The plot moves in a good pace, the characters are complex. What I liked - well everything except maybe the end. The tension in the story I could feel though the pages, the fact that there was a bit of romance and a lot of action kept me reading till the end. Overall, I'm rating it 4.5 and I will be looking for more books from the author.
March 16, 2023
Multi-theme story presented in one suspenseful package
Murder, suspense, romance and rags-to-riches themes are weaved into the fabric of this story. The main character, Max, is an intuitive investigator determined to make things right in the world.
As Max learns about past family secrets, a fortuitous future unfolds. The author takes you on Max’s journey from a poker game to lord of the manor wrapped in a clever plot full of surprises.
The characters lack depth, though, almost to the point of being cartoonish. Good characters are perfect in appearance and disposition. The women in Max’s life are without flaws. Bad characters are pure evil inward and outward.
However, I do recommend it as a fun read with interesting twists and turns.
Murder, suspense, romance and rags-to-riches themes are weaved into the fabric of this story. The main character, Max, is an intuitive investigator determined to make things right in the world.
As Max learns about past family secrets, a fortuitous future unfolds. The author takes you on Max’s journey from a poker game to lord of the manor wrapped in a clever plot full of surprises.
The characters lack depth, though, almost to the point of being cartoonish. Good characters are perfect in appearance and disposition. The women in Max’s life are without flaws. Bad characters are pure evil inward and outward.
However, I do recommend it as a fun read with interesting twists and turns.
March 12, 2021
I received this book as an ARC with the promise of a review. This book is amazing! The characters are fresh and full of life and the twists and turns in the story are satisfying. I love dark psychological thrillers with interesting characters - this book meets all these criteria and tosses in humor for good measure. I totally recommend this book - read and enjoy!
August 29, 2021
Excellent!
I thought the book went a bit slow in the first chapter, but after that the rest of the book was an ongoing variety of emotions. The main character (Max) can be a sarcastic ass with a healthy (or unhealthy, you decide) sense of justice, and he WILL get it. The other side is a very vulnerable, driven man.
People you have GOT to read this book!!
I thought the book went a bit slow in the first chapter, but after that the rest of the book was an ongoing variety of emotions. The main character (Max) can be a sarcastic ass with a healthy (or unhealthy, you decide) sense of justice, and he WILL get it. The other side is a very vulnerable, driven man.
People you have GOT to read this book!!
November 23, 2021
Love Love Love It!
I liked the whole storyline, it was a new good vs bad exploring new technology and the capability of the new roads in DNA testing. The almost instant bonding of previously unknown family, just weaving the story and back stories together. I just rest enjoyed this.
I liked the whole storyline, it was a new good vs bad exploring new technology and the capability of the new roads in DNA testing. The almost instant bonding of previously unknown family, just weaving the story and back stories together. I just rest enjoyed this.
February 2, 2021
Review of "Firebug"
Thoroughly enjoyed the transformation of Maxwell Muggs to "His Lordship"! All the characters were extremely well developed from beginning to end and the plot never dragged. I would highly recommend this book. Can't wait for the next one!
Thoroughly enjoyed the transformation of Maxwell Muggs to "His Lordship"! All the characters were extremely well developed from beginning to end and the plot never dragged. I would highly recommend this book. Can't wait for the next one!
March 1, 2021
Maxwell Muggs
A very enjoyable read! I couldn't
Put it down! Very defined characters! I loved them all, and hated who I should! Looking forward to the next adventure of Maxwell Muggs!
A very enjoyable read! I couldn't
Put it down! Very defined characters! I loved them all, and hated who I should! Looking forward to the next adventure of Maxwell Muggs!
March 9, 2021
I received this because I was looking for a new author. Lots of twists and turns. With so many unexpected going ons. Definitely a book worth reading. I can't rate it any higher than a star or I would have. Definitely a 4 star for me.
May 4, 2021
Good book
This is a good book but not for me.My grandma's house cut fire back in 2015And this kind of brings back memories so I stopped reading it after a while.But for somebody else who may like the book it may be a good book
This is a good book but not for me.My grandma's house cut fire back in 2015And this kind of brings back memories so I stopped reading it after a while.But for somebody else who may like the book it may be a good book
October 31, 2024
Firebug -
This was not a pleasant read. I made it to the 45% mark and threw in the towel. The book is nonsensical and unrealistic. The author has clearly never been to Albuquerque and knows nothing about New Mexico.
This was not a pleasant read. I made it to the 45% mark and threw in the towel. The book is nonsensical and unrealistic. The author has clearly never been to Albuquerque and knows nothing about New Mexico.
November 13, 2020
I have read all of Mr. Snowden’s books and found them great. With this book, I couldn’t put it down once I started it, so I stayed up all night to finish it. It was worth it!!
November 13, 2020
Another amazing novel by a supremely talented author. Can't get enough of this guy. Brilliant work and excellent book cover, too!
January 29, 2021
Awesome read, had me gripped from the get go!
January 31, 2021
Outstanding!
This book is an really great read, and I will be reading it again in the future! Now to see if there are other books by this author to explore!
This book is an really great read, and I will be reading it again in the future! Now to see if there are other books by this author to explore!
March 4, 2021
A most enjoyable read. I look forward to the return of Maxwell Muggs!
March 7, 2021
Fantastic book! Read it in a weekend, I couldn’t put it down! Looking forward to Maxwell Mugg’s next adventure!
April 29, 2021
The only downside was that it was too short. It was a good read.
August 14, 2021
Suspenseful
This book kept me up to finish it after a night with almost no sleep..I look forward to further investigations and adventures of Lord Muggs.
This book kept me up to finish it after a night with almost no sleep..I look forward to further investigations and adventures of Lord Muggs.
August 21, 2021
Can’t say enough about this book. Very well thought out, great pace, intriguing characters, twisting plot line, over all I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a great page turner!
September 14, 2021
So looking forward to the next adventure! Couldn’t put it down.
October 18, 2021
Another great story by Wes Snowden full of humour and wit. I enjoyed it very much.
April 6, 2022
Interesting story with a well thought through plot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews