The Fire Season

by Patrick C. Lee

A mystery novel which takes place in 1997 in Butte, Montana. The story relates to major fires which devastated much of the Uptown area of Butte in 1972. In searching for the truth twenty five years later, the main characters disturb a powerful secret locked away for a quarter of a century. Ruthless criminals from the past surface and once again murder is implemented to protect the hideous truth behind "The Fires."

240 pages, Paperback

First published September 11, 2001

Reviews

[A.G. Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's evident that the author did a great deal of research on this book. I found that part of it very interesting, however, the book just felt flat it me. I picked it up and put it aside several times to read other books.

There was no real tension in the story. No characters really DROVE the plot. Things seem to "just happen" around three sets of characters: "the researchers," "the police," and "the plotters." The story should have woven back and forth between them, but they all felt disconnected from each other.

The central figure of Patrick Connors was still a mystery at the end, although the why and how of his death were explained. He was the reason Liam came to Butte and started the ball rolling.

I think the problem is that while the research was well done and the writing was fair (everyone seems to pick up Liam's Irish accent by the end of the book. including the narrator), the characterization was poor. They move about like sticks on a child's puppet stage and never really engage the reader.

So, no, I can't recommend it. You'd be better served reading an actual history of the 1970s in Butte.

[JR Hassett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in a three book series on historic Butte, Montana.

They are well written, easy to read, and kept me up past my bedtime.

[Dayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really did like the book but I thought the sex was a bit gratuitous! Historical novel about Butte, Montana, not just the 1800's but the 1970's. Based on fact - I love Google, had to check! The author is from the area and obviously had intimate knowledge of the area. Fun read interesting premise.

[Deb · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting story, based in fact, depicting greed, corruption and murder during the 1970s development of Butte, Montana. However, the writing is poor, the characters two-dimensional, and much of the storyline gratuitous. I usually love historical fiction, but can't recommend this one.