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Playing with Fire: The true story of Fireman Scam
"In my 23 years of policing, I have never encountered a man as manipulative as Greg Wilson … a compulsive liar who has shown absolutely no remorse … if somebody wrote this as a script for Coronation Street, it would be too outrageous” - Detective Constable Chris Bentham.
Coleen Greenwood was overjoyed to meet James Scott, a heroic firefighter and man of her dreams. Little would she know her dreams would soon become a nightmare as his web of lies started to unravel.
The astonishing true story of one man’s lies and a family’s fight for justice.
Coleen Greenwood was overjoyed to meet James Scott, a heroic firefighter and man of her dreams. Little would she know her dreams would soon become a nightmare as his web of lies started to unravel.
The astonishing true story of one man’s lies and a family’s fight for justice.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2023
122 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 1, 2023
Couldn't put it down
If you have ever been cheated on and manipulated, this takes it to the extreme. A true sociopath with no conscious. Well done Coleen for your courage and strength of character to write your story
If you have ever been cheated on and manipulated, this takes it to the extreme. A true sociopath with no conscious. Well done Coleen for your courage and strength of character to write your story
February 4, 2023
Amazing bizarre real life story of lies and deceit
July 14, 2023
Well written hard to put down what a barstool of a fireman a must read.
March 19, 2023
Brilliant read shows how one man can carry on with so many lies and deceit
Thanks to coleen and Karen for sharing their story
Thanks to coleen and Karen for sharing their story
August 20, 2025
A really good book. I really enjoyed reading this and seeing the story unfold. Really well written too. Highly recommended.
March 5, 2023
Unbelievable and sadly so common these days
September 30, 2024
Some people are just liars!!! Period. They don’t care that they are hurting others. No spoilers here, but this book captured my attention from the very first chapter. I dated a man who told me he wasn’t married, and it turned out he was. He also had three kids. Why do people think they can do this? He made my son and I fall in love with him. Then, when I found out the truth, I left him, which broke our hearts. It’s horrible that my son struggled with separation anxiety because his dad and my first husband died when my son was only one—and then again when I had to leave the man I fell in love with. My son never recovered from his losses.
Editing or proofreading could improve this book as there are minor mistakes and repetitions, but it didn’t take away from this intriguing story that will keep you turning the pages and up late into the night. I eagerly look forward to reading book 2 in the series.
Editing or proofreading could improve this book as there are minor mistakes and repetitions, but it didn’t take away from this intriguing story that will keep you turning the pages and up late into the night. I eagerly look forward to reading book 2 in the series.
July 3, 2025
A Harrowing True Story of Deception, Survival, and Family Strength
In this powerful memoir, Coleen Greenwood and her sister Karen Crear share the devastating true account of how a seemingly perfect romance turned into a nightmare of manipulation and deceit. “Playing with Fire” chronicles Coleen’s relationship with James Scott, a man who presented himself as a heroic firefighter but whose identity was built on an intricate web of lies.
The narrative unfolds with a compelling pace that pulls readers into Coleen’s world from her initial joy at meeting James to the gradual unraveling of his deceptions. The authors skillfully balance emotional depth with factual clarity, creating a reading experience that is both moving and informative.
What sets this memoir apart is its unflinching portrayal of coercive control and narcissistic abuse. The dialogue reconstructed throughout the book provides chilling insight into the subtle ways manipulation can occur within relationships. Particularly effective are the conversations that reveal how Scott systematically isolated Coleen while maintaining his heroic façade to others.
The authors excel at conveying the psychological impact of romance fraud, not just on Coleen but on her entire family circle. Karen’s perspective adds a crucial dimension to the story, highlighting how such deception creates ripple effects through families and communities. Their bond emerges as the book’s emotional cornerstone—a testament to the strength that can be found in familial love when facing betrayal.
The pacing remains consistent throughout, building tension as Coleen gradually discovers Scott’s lies while simultaneously finding her own inner strength. Rather than rushing to resolution, the narrative takes time to explore the complex emotions of disbelief, grief, anger, and ultimately, determination to seek justice.
“Playing with Fire” transcends being merely a victim’s account. It stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, showing how Coleen and Karen transformed a traumatic experience into a platform for awareness. The story behind the popular BBC Sounds podcast “Love-Bombed with Vicky Pattison” and subsequent television documentaries is fully explored here, with additional details and emotional depth that only a memoir can provide.
This book offers both a warning about romance fraud and an empowering message to others who might face similar circumstances. Through Coleen’s journey from victim to advocate, readers witness the power of truth, family support, and the courage to reclaim one’s narrative.
A testament to human resilience that educates while it moves, “Playing with Fire” is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the realities of coercive control and the journey toward healing and justice.
I award 5 stars.
In this powerful memoir, Coleen Greenwood and her sister Karen Crear share the devastating true account of how a seemingly perfect romance turned into a nightmare of manipulation and deceit. “Playing with Fire” chronicles Coleen’s relationship with James Scott, a man who presented himself as a heroic firefighter but whose identity was built on an intricate web of lies.
The narrative unfolds with a compelling pace that pulls readers into Coleen’s world from her initial joy at meeting James to the gradual unraveling of his deceptions. The authors skillfully balance emotional depth with factual clarity, creating a reading experience that is both moving and informative.
What sets this memoir apart is its unflinching portrayal of coercive control and narcissistic abuse. The dialogue reconstructed throughout the book provides chilling insight into the subtle ways manipulation can occur within relationships. Particularly effective are the conversations that reveal how Scott systematically isolated Coleen while maintaining his heroic façade to others.
The authors excel at conveying the psychological impact of romance fraud, not just on Coleen but on her entire family circle. Karen’s perspective adds a crucial dimension to the story, highlighting how such deception creates ripple effects through families and communities. Their bond emerges as the book’s emotional cornerstone—a testament to the strength that can be found in familial love when facing betrayal.
The pacing remains consistent throughout, building tension as Coleen gradually discovers Scott’s lies while simultaneously finding her own inner strength. Rather than rushing to resolution, the narrative takes time to explore the complex emotions of disbelief, grief, anger, and ultimately, determination to seek justice.
“Playing with Fire” transcends being merely a victim’s account. It stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, showing how Coleen and Karen transformed a traumatic experience into a platform for awareness. The story behind the popular BBC Sounds podcast “Love-Bombed with Vicky Pattison” and subsequent television documentaries is fully explored here, with additional details and emotional depth that only a memoir can provide.
This book offers both a warning about romance fraud and an empowering message to others who might face similar circumstances. Through Coleen’s journey from victim to advocate, readers witness the power of truth, family support, and the courage to reclaim one’s narrative.
A testament to human resilience that educates while it moves, “Playing with Fire” is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the realities of coercive control and the journey toward healing and justice.
I award 5 stars.
October 30, 2023
What a great book. I hated having to put it down and looked forward to any time I could "steal" a few minutes to read".
It's odd how a book could be so good and so annoying at the same time.
I start this by saying there is no excuse for that piece of c@$+. How a person could develop a persona and sustain it for this long, is beyond me.
This "Greg" didn't only play a role, he conceived it, played it convincingly AND made sure he engulfed as many people as he could along the way.... there are no words that can truly define this POS. Truly chilling.
Having said that, Greg also knew how to pick his marks.
Enter Colleen who didn't even particularly like him initially, but somehow managed to fall in love, with this man, and a) had a child with him and b) believed in him 100%.
Colleen found herself slowly but surely under his control, even while basically telling us how she realized their relationship had become toxic.
Colleen had several clues that all was not "normal" behavior, especially after discovering that she was pregnant, despite Greg's claims that he had a vasectomy. It bothered me that this vasectomy and her pregnancy were not questioned more.
Ditto with his constant need to control her every move.
We know that Colleen's inner voice was screaming at her to dump this guy....yet, as many women would do or have done, she dismissed that voice.
The facet of Colleen's personality that got to me was how passive she was through all of this.
Every page seems to describe Colleen's behavior....with inactions. How many times can you read "I looked at him in disbelief" or "I could not stop the tears". Not helpful at all.
While Colleen's sister discovers atrocities being conducted by this guy, to their entire family, Colleen continues to be ineffective and so passive with her constant stunned looks or her constant need to "think" to 'cry" or to give him "the" look ....all completely useless....in fact Colleen was pretty ineffective throughout and it was so frustrating. I found myself angry at her for just never reacting, no matter how horrible her situation was.
I far preferred Rachel's attitude although the constant reminder that Rachel and Colleen are twins got old fast.
Despite my above comments, I really do sympathize with everyone's pain, in this story and hope that everyone manages to move forward with their lives.
This is a definitive 5 stars out of 5.
It's odd how a book could be so good and so annoying at the same time.
I start this by saying there is no excuse for that piece of c@$+. How a person could develop a persona and sustain it for this long, is beyond me.
This "Greg" didn't only play a role, he conceived it, played it convincingly AND made sure he engulfed as many people as he could along the way.... there are no words that can truly define this POS. Truly chilling.
Having said that, Greg also knew how to pick his marks.
Enter Colleen who didn't even particularly like him initially, but somehow managed to fall in love, with this man, and a) had a child with him and b) believed in him 100%.
Colleen found herself slowly but surely under his control, even while basically telling us how she realized their relationship had become toxic.
Colleen had several clues that all was not "normal" behavior, especially after discovering that she was pregnant, despite Greg's claims that he had a vasectomy. It bothered me that this vasectomy and her pregnancy were not questioned more.
Ditto with his constant need to control her every move.
We know that Colleen's inner voice was screaming at her to dump this guy....yet, as many women would do or have done, she dismissed that voice.
The facet of Colleen's personality that got to me was how passive she was through all of this.
Every page seems to describe Colleen's behavior....with inactions. How many times can you read "I looked at him in disbelief" or "I could not stop the tears". Not helpful at all.
While Colleen's sister discovers atrocities being conducted by this guy, to their entire family, Colleen continues to be ineffective and so passive with her constant stunned looks or her constant need to "think" to 'cry" or to give him "the" look ....all completely useless....in fact Colleen was pretty ineffective throughout and it was so frustrating. I found myself angry at her for just never reacting, no matter how horrible her situation was.
I far preferred Rachel's attitude although the constant reminder that Rachel and Colleen are twins got old fast.
Despite my above comments, I really do sympathize with everyone's pain, in this story and hope that everyone manages to move forward with their lives.
This is a definitive 5 stars out of 5.
January 21, 2025
Nasty little man
The sheer emotion comes through every page and my heart felt sympathy goes out to every woman or business that ever comes across this man. My mum used to say "once a cheat forever a cheat" both emotionally and finacially this man has destroyed so many lives and still is trying to do so from jail. I'm so glad the sisters stuck by each other . The most important bond that he tried his hardest to break. When he realised he couldn't he went for the money instead. Even that didn't break the bond. He failed all round ,then ran away. Like a thief in the night and the coward he is. The faithful girlfriend duped twice must know he is cheating in her from jail and will always cheat.
Well done for being strong enough to expose and his lies.
You are a great mum and strong family to support each other.
He couldn't take that from you.
A great "heads up ladies", book that need to be written .
The sheer emotion comes through every page and my heart felt sympathy goes out to every woman or business that ever comes across this man. My mum used to say "once a cheat forever a cheat" both emotionally and finacially this man has destroyed so many lives and still is trying to do so from jail. I'm so glad the sisters stuck by each other . The most important bond that he tried his hardest to break. When he realised he couldn't he went for the money instead. Even that didn't break the bond. He failed all round ,then ran away. Like a thief in the night and the coward he is. The faithful girlfriend duped twice must know he is cheating in her from jail and will always cheat.
Well done for being strong enough to expose and his lies.
You are a great mum and strong family to support each other.
He couldn't take that from you.
A great "heads up ladies", book that need to be written .
October 13, 2024
Gripping Reality!
I had been looking forward to reading Coleen’s book for some time, and I was glad I eventually got round to reading it. It is well written, keeps on topic, and accounts a very scary reality that Coleen had to face.
The book gripped me from page 1, and quickly becomes a page turner that you cannot put down. The reality that Coleen faced is unimaginable, she is a strong, candid and practical women, who left no stone unturned in her bid to discover the truth, alongside her dear sister Karen, and the remarkable and dependable Ryan. This is a story that will leave an impact on you. My best wishes go out to Coleen & Karen, and the family and friends that surround you. Thank you for sharing your incredible story with us!
I had been looking forward to reading Coleen’s book for some time, and I was glad I eventually got round to reading it. It is well written, keeps on topic, and accounts a very scary reality that Coleen had to face.
The book gripped me from page 1, and quickly becomes a page turner that you cannot put down. The reality that Coleen faced is unimaginable, she is a strong, candid and practical women, who left no stone unturned in her bid to discover the truth, alongside her dear sister Karen, and the remarkable and dependable Ryan. This is a story that will leave an impact on you. My best wishes go out to Coleen & Karen, and the family and friends that surround you. Thank you for sharing your incredible story with us!
February 13, 2025
A gripping true crime memoir.
Coleen had been 41, divorced, with two teen daughters, and reasonably happy. She felt she was now ready to meet someone again, and was soon drawn to fireman James, who popped up on a dating app. Things went from strength to strength........until they unravelled, and it looked like everything was all lies.
This was easy to read, written in a chatty, conversational style. Well-told, simply told, and well-paced. It was so unpredictable, shocking the lengths some people will go to.
A brilliant book, which keeps you on the edge of your seat. But that kind of sounds wrong to say that, as it's someone's real life, and horrible happenings for her. But it's so well-told, a page-turner.
A gripping true crime memoir.
Coleen had been 41, divorced, with two teen daughters, and reasonably happy. She felt she was now ready to meet someone again, and was soon drawn to fireman James, who popped up on a dating app. Things went from strength to strength........until they unravelled, and it looked like everything was all lies.
This was easy to read, written in a chatty, conversational style. Well-told, simply told, and well-paced. It was so unpredictable, shocking the lengths some people will go to.
A brilliant book, which keeps you on the edge of your seat. But that kind of sounds wrong to say that, as it's someone's real life, and horrible happenings for her. But it's so well-told, a page-turner.
A gripping true crime memoir.
August 9, 2025
Empowering!!!!
I found this book empowering, as a woman, and how we as women fall foul to the men in our lives. My father was controlling me, my sister and my mum, and we didn't realise until many years after his death. My dad still controls my mum from the grave. I myself have been mentally abused by my husband and his parents, but I have realised before I even read this book that I can rebel and listen to me!!!!! Thank you, Coleen, for sharing your experience. I'd hope more women read this book to allow them the freedom they need to empower themselves.
I found this book empowering, as a woman, and how we as women fall foul to the men in our lives. My father was controlling me, my sister and my mum, and we didn't realise until many years after his death. My dad still controls my mum from the grave. I myself have been mentally abused by my husband and his parents, but I have realised before I even read this book that I can rebel and listen to me!!!!! Thank you, Coleen, for sharing your experience. I'd hope more women read this book to allow them the freedom they need to empower themselves.
March 31, 2023
Brilliant book, read in 3 sittings. This can happen to anyone clearly! Thankfully Coleen had a very forgiving loyal and loving family. I’m not single but these stories are what make you stay away from online dating sites. Too risky. I personally think it’s best to be alone then risk the amount of liars and con men that are out there now
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2024
A warning to all trusting women
Do your background searches when dating a new person. Never trust a man who does not include you with his family and friends. Abo
ve all, if he is too good to be re
al, and loves you beyond belief right away and then tries to isolate you from your family, friends and colleagues, raise the BIG RED FLAG and run out be ruined.
Do your background searches when dating a new person. Never trust a man who does not include you with his family and friends. Abo
ve all, if he is too good to be re
al, and loves you beyond belief right away and then tries to isolate you from your family, friends and colleagues, raise the BIG RED FLAG and run out be ruined.
January 27, 2025
Great book
It was a great book. You could actually feel the hurt and despair that Coleen suffered at the hands of this crook. How Ryan managed to keep his hands off him, I will never know. But even at the end, he was still trying to win con women and do them over and tell them lies when he was unable to do so . Compulsive liar and fantasist deserved all that he got and more.
It was a great book. You could actually feel the hurt and despair that Coleen suffered at the hands of this crook. How Ryan managed to keep his hands off him, I will never know. But even at the end, he was still trying to win con women and do them over and tell them lies when he was unable to do so . Compulsive liar and fantasist deserved all that he got and more.
May 22, 2025
Good book
It's white unsettling to know there are men like Greg Wilson walking around, what an awful person. I hope his victims never have to set eyes on him again. I hope his girlfriend has dumped him by now too. A good book, definitely worth reading and I wish Colleen and Karen and his other victims all the best.
It's white unsettling to know there are men like Greg Wilson walking around, what an awful person. I hope his victims never have to set eyes on him again. I hope his girlfriend has dumped him by now too. A good book, definitely worth reading and I wish Colleen and Karen and his other victims all the best.
August 28, 2025
What makes this story especially compelling and disturbing is the fact that this sociopath managed to con a very rational, mentally well balanced woman from a stable family background, even whilst she was surrounded by her loving family - he even charmed for a while.
It is a truly shocking read about a very decent family whose lives were plunged into chaos by a monster.
It is a truly shocking read about a very decent family whose lives were plunged into chaos by a monster.
July 4, 2023
Excellent read
Very good book and hopefully having the book out there stops Greg from ruining people's lives. I wish Coleen and her family all the best for the future. Excellent read if you like biographies and crime related books. Recommend
Very good book and hopefully having the book out there stops Greg from ruining people's lives. I wish Coleen and her family all the best for the future. Excellent read if you like biographies and crime related books. Recommend
July 16, 2023
Unbelievable
Playing with Fire was a gripping read . Congratulations go to Coleen , Karen and their family for staying strong through out this terrible ordeal.I hope they now find peace .
Playing with Fire was a gripping read . Congratulations go to Coleen , Karen and their family for staying strong through out this terrible ordeal.I hope they now find peace .
August 17, 2023
What a fantastic book, I initially had no idea what I was getting myself into reading this book however it was totally gripping the whole way through. Honestly if you ever read a book please read this!!!
September 28, 2023
Excellent read!
I found this book unputadownable!!
What a lovely, close family
What a disgraceful specimen of a man!
Don't normally review books but I felt I had to with this one.
Five stars plus!
I found this book unputadownable!!
What a lovely, close family
What a disgraceful specimen of a man!
Don't normally review books but I felt I had to with this one.
Five stars plus!
December 17, 2023
Well worth a read!
I loved it. Great read. My heart broke for them, especially as he went to the depths he dud to trick Coleen in regards to Charlie. Although it testament to the lady she is that's he has a wonderful mother. There but for the grace of God!
I loved it. Great read. My heart broke for them, especially as he went to the depths he dud to trick Coleen in regards to Charlie. Although it testament to the lady she is that's he has a wonderful mother. There but for the grace of God!
October 20, 2024
horrendous time for these victims
This is two families ripped apart by a wicked person who didn’t deserve their love. The child, Charlie, is the only good thing to have come from all of this. I wish them all the best for their future.
This is two families ripped apart by a wicked person who didn’t deserve their love. The child, Charlie, is the only good thing to have come from all of this. I wish them all the best for their future.
June 2, 2025
Well done Coleen and family for telling your story .. and getting through this can’t believe people actually go on like this what a vile man .. and so close to where I live too it could’ve been anyone one of us …hope he gets his comeuppance when he’s out! I couldn’t put this book down !
July 17, 2025
it's incredible to see how low some people can stoop to gain what they want. Coleen and her poor family the things he put them through. the only good thing was to see the love of her family and how it stayed strong regardless.
April 30, 2023
Very touchy story
June 10, 2023
As someone living in the north east, this was a shocking story of lies and betrayal. Thank you for sharing your
July 7, 2023
Good read
Couldn't put this book down well done Colleen!
Unbelievable really quite scarey people like him lurking. Don't think he will ever change.
Couldn't put this book down well done Colleen!
Unbelievable really quite scarey people like him lurking. Don't think he will ever change.
July 15, 2023
A brave lady to write about this. To warn others of the possibly that it could happen to anyone.
Very well written, absorbing from start to finish.
Very well written, absorbing from start to finish.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews