Into the Inferno

Immensely entertaining

I am always impressed by Emerson's talent, and I wonder after each new book when he finds the time to write--given his full-time job as a firefighter. But it's his first-hand experience as a firefighter that informs the best of his work and Into the Inferno is no exception. With fully drawn, exceptionally well-conceived characters, Emerson takes us along on a death trip with deeply conflicted womanizer Jim Swope. While Swope's view of himself is not a pleasant one, the reader cannot help but like this fellow because he's just so utterly likeable--particularly in his interaction with his two daughters. Given that I picked out the villain of the piece right away, it's a testament to Emerson's narrative gift that I stuck with the story, waiting for Swope's 'aha!' moment. And it's delivered very well. There's so much action that there's scarcely breathing room--either for the characters or for the reader. There are also some very profound observations on life and what is, and isn't, valuable. Yet these observations are delivered within the context of the character and ring very true. For sheer entertainment value, Emerson's hard to beat. Highly recommended.

powerful thriller

On I-90 near North bend, Washington, two trucks collide on the icy road. Rescue workers arrive to help the injured. Afterward, six of the locals including Jim Swope help one of the drivers, Holly Riggs clean up the mess inside her vehicle. Holly and Jim saw each other for awhile, but that relationship ended. When Holly tries to commit suicide, her sister Stephanie, a doctor, blames Jim and harasses him. Three others from that rescue team of six have either died or become a vegetable and a fourth knows he is on a seven-day countdown to either kill himself or turn mindless. Jim persuades Stephanie to believe him as his countdown begins. As he seeks the truth and a cure to whatever contaminated him and the others, he worries what will happen to his two little girls if he fails. INTO THE INFERNO is an exciting suspense thriller that never slows down as Jim counts down the days until he either is a vegetable or dead. The fast-paced story line keeps the reader on the edge of their seat wondering if Jim will find the remedy in time. Though his two daughters are too adult in attitude, Earl Emerson has spun a powerful thriller that will garner him new converts. Harriet Klausner

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