True Fires

Riveting Read

True Fires is a riveting story that is well worth reading. Based on true events in 1950s Florida, all the characters are well defined and insightful, particularly the female newspaper editor Ruth Cooper Barrows and Lila Hightower the ex-military daughter of a local judge. Even though the men in the story appear to have all the power, it is these women that are the story's true heroines. Uniting to face down a corrupt old boy network and a community that doesn't seem to care about injustice, they are both strong, true, and inspirational.

Included in these wonderful characters is a 10-year-old boy you'll love, a mysterious Seminole Indian beekeeper who will keep you guessing, and a real-life bad guy that you'll love to hate. Throughout the novel, Ms. McCarthy weaves fascinating bits of background information that I won't spoil here for the reader. Make sure you have a tissue close by for the ending. I'll be reading this book again.