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Working Fire
From the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of When I’m Gone comes a compelling novel of a bond between sisters, tested by tragedy…
Ellie Brown thought she’d finally escaped her stifling hometown of Broadlands, Illinois; med school was supposed to be her ticket out. But when her father has a stroke, she must return home to share his care with her older sister, Amelia, who’s busy with her own family. Working as a paramedic, Ellie’s days are monotonous, driving an ambulance through streets she’d hoped never to see again.
Until a 911 dispatch changes everything. The address: her sister’s house. Rushing to the scene, Ellie discovers that Amelia and her husband, Steve, have been shot in a home invasion. After Amelia is rushed to the hospital, Ellie tries to make sense of the tragedy. But what really happened inside her sister’s house becomes less and less clear. As Amelia hangs on in critical condition, Ellie uncovers dark revelations about her family’s past that challenge her beliefs about those closest to her…and force her to question where her devotions truly lie.
Ellie Brown thought she’d finally escaped her stifling hometown of Broadlands, Illinois; med school was supposed to be her ticket out. But when her father has a stroke, she must return home to share his care with her older sister, Amelia, who’s busy with her own family. Working as a paramedic, Ellie’s days are monotonous, driving an ambulance through streets she’d hoped never to see again.
Until a 911 dispatch changes everything. The address: her sister’s house. Rushing to the scene, Ellie discovers that Amelia and her husband, Steve, have been shot in a home invasion. After Amelia is rushed to the hospital, Ellie tries to make sense of the tragedy. But what really happened inside her sister’s house becomes less and less clear. As Amelia hangs on in critical condition, Ellie uncovers dark revelations about her family’s past that challenge her beliefs about those closest to her…and force her to question where her devotions truly lie.
313 pages, Paperback
First published August 29, 2017
4672 people are currently reading
3732 people want to read
About the author
Emily Bleeker
13 books1,724 followersEmily lives in suburban Chicago with her family. Between writing and being a mom, she attempts to learn guitar, sings along to the radio (loudly), and embraces her newfound addiction to running.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 533 reviews
August 28, 2017
This review was featured on my Mini Reviews segment:
The reason we readers continue to come back for these family centered sagas is for one thing-SECRETS. Whether an author proclaims that their book contains a giant secret, a bunch of little secrets, or something in between, I can't help but immediately becoming drawn to said book. We all love a story that makes us feelnormal less dysfunctional, and Working Firewas just that story. Were all the components and character choices realistic? No, but I think if every story was 100% realistic we wouldn't have enjoyable fiction that grabs us and makes us feel things (even if those things are "WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING PEOPLE?!"). I did find myself yelling at the sisters a few times, but overall this was such an enjoyable, binge-worthy read; I can't imagine anyone getting to the end without becoming a little riled up. Bleeker has consistently published books that I enjoy; each one tends to be a little different than the last, so I always know I'm picking up something fresh. Working Fire was no different and I'm pleased as punch to state that once again, she's crafted a wholly enjoyable tale that was equal parts gripping, tense, and emotional. Highly recommended for readers looking for a fast pace with a focus on family drama and secrets, because BOY are there some whoppers here!
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my copy via NetGalley.
The reason we readers continue to come back for these family centered sagas is for one thing-SECRETS. Whether an author proclaims that their book contains a giant secret, a bunch of little secrets, or something in between, I can't help but immediately becoming drawn to said book. We all love a story that makes us feel
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my copy via NetGalley.
March 26, 2018
3.5 Stars
Ellie’s father stroked out on the job (he was the chief of the fire department), she dropped out of med school to come home (a small town) and help her sister (Amelia) take care of him. She couldn’t pass the physical agility test to become a full-fledged firefighter, so she became paramedic instead. After her dad’s accident, Amelia’s husband (Steve) became the chief. Amelia is a stay-at-home mom, but she’s also a concert cellist. She does some work for Steve’s company too. One day, Ellie received a call for shooting and the address was her sister’s house! And when they arrived there, they found Amelia’s husband in the driveway, he was shot but he was conscious. They found Amelia too, she also was shot (twice) and unconscious and barely alive. Also, they found a man but dead and another man was seen leaving the scene of the crime, carrying a gun! A man that they knew well!
Well, this story was so predictable but the writing was so good that held my interest until the end. And I liked the way the author finished every chapter. This read was a solid four star for me even with its predictability but the only and the main issue that made me lessen my rating was the way it ended!! It was like the perp didn’t pay for his/her crimes! And with every chapter, I disliked Ellie more and more!
This was my first read by this author but it won’t my last because I really enjoyed the writing. Told in dual POV, 3rd person. The story alternates between five weeks earlier (Amelia’s POV, before shooting) and the present (Ellie’s POV, after shooting) chapter to chapter. It’s a stand-alone Novel. All in all, it was a good read and I hope you like it!
Ellie’s father stroked out on the job (he was the chief of the fire department), she dropped out of med school to come home (a small town) and help her sister (Amelia) take care of him. She couldn’t pass the physical agility test to become a full-fledged firefighter, so she became paramedic instead. After her dad’s accident, Amelia’s husband (Steve) became the chief. Amelia is a stay-at-home mom, but she’s also a concert cellist. She does some work for Steve’s company too. One day, Ellie received a call for shooting and the address was her sister’s house! And when they arrived there, they found Amelia’s husband in the driveway, he was shot but he was conscious. They found Amelia too, she also was shot (twice) and unconscious and barely alive. Also, they found a man but dead and another man was seen leaving the scene of the crime, carrying a gun! A man that they knew well!
Well, this story was so predictable but the writing was so good that held my interest until the end. And I liked the way the author finished every chapter. This read was a solid four star for me even with its predictability but the only and the main issue that made me lessen my rating was the way it ended!! It was like the perp didn’t pay for his/her crimes! And with every chapter, I disliked Ellie more and more!
This was my first read by this author but it won’t my last because I really enjoyed the writing. Told in dual POV, 3rd person. The story alternates between five weeks earlier (Amelia’s POV, before shooting) and the present (Ellie’s POV, after shooting) chapter to chapter. It’s a stand-alone Novel. All in all, it was a good read and I hope you like it!
August 31, 2017
There was no inner debate when I saw this title available on Net Galley: sisters, tragedy, suspense, and family secrets? Count me in. That's exactly what I got. One day read, kept my attention and had me guessing until the end. Some of my suspicions were indeed correct, but the very ending of the book still left me reeling. The last few pages will sneak right up and stun you.
Ellie is a smart young woman with high aspirations: she wants to be a doctor. Her plans have been put on hold, working a rewarding but stressful and not quite ideal job as a paramedic in the town she swore she'd leave behind. Family comes first, and she's returned to help her sister care for her ailing father.
Big sister Amelia is juggling their father, her husband, her two children, housework, and the occasional gig as a cellist. She's struggling under the weight of her many responsibilities, especially because her husband doesn't support them caring for her father and gets frustrated when she gets behind on the housework.
A phone call changed the lives of both sisters not so long ago: the news of their loving father's stroke. Now a different kind of call will change everything for Ellie: gunshots. Paramedics needed. Must be an accident, she thinks. People don't shoot each other in Broadlands. Even more surprising: the address is one she recognizes. One she's spent holidays at and played with her two adorable nieces. Her sister.
The chapters jump back and forth between time and sisters. When we hear from Amelia, we're hearing about before the shooting. Her everyday struggles, keeping herself afloat and exploring new opportunities. With Ellie, we follow as she struggles to make sense of this tragedy and figure out why anyone could possibly want to hurt her family.
I had some confusion about characters. Ellie and Amelia are called by their first names, letters that don't correspond to the first letter of their name, and their last names. It got confusing at times. Also, why name two brothers Collin and Caleb? One is Ellie's boyfriend, one is Amelia's ex and family friend. Maybe it's because I read entirely too many books, but I kept getting them confused. I know it only has the first letter in common, but when added to the many names the sisters go by, it was just too much.
A strong four. I am curious if this story has any possibility of continuing. I would read a sequel!
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
Ellie is a smart young woman with high aspirations: she wants to be a doctor. Her plans have been put on hold, working a rewarding but stressful and not quite ideal job as a paramedic in the town she swore she'd leave behind. Family comes first, and she's returned to help her sister care for her ailing father.
Big sister Amelia is juggling their father, her husband, her two children, housework, and the occasional gig as a cellist. She's struggling under the weight of her many responsibilities, especially because her husband doesn't support them caring for her father and gets frustrated when she gets behind on the housework.
A phone call changed the lives of both sisters not so long ago: the news of their loving father's stroke. Now a different kind of call will change everything for Ellie: gunshots. Paramedics needed. Must be an accident, she thinks. People don't shoot each other in Broadlands. Even more surprising: the address is one she recognizes. One she's spent holidays at and played with her two adorable nieces. Her sister.
The chapters jump back and forth between time and sisters. When we hear from Amelia, we're hearing about before the shooting. Her everyday struggles, keeping herself afloat and exploring new opportunities. With Ellie, we follow as she struggles to make sense of this tragedy and figure out why anyone could possibly want to hurt her family.
I had some confusion about characters. Ellie and Amelia are called by their first names, letters that don't correspond to the first letter of their name, and their last names. It got confusing at times. Also, why name two brothers Collin and Caleb? One is Ellie's boyfriend, one is Amelia's ex and family friend. Maybe it's because I read entirely too many books, but I kept getting them confused. I know it only has the first letter in common, but when added to the many names the sisters go by, it was just too much.
A strong four. I am curious if this story has any possibility of continuing. I would read a sequel!
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
September 11, 2017
Good mystery.
Story timeline moves back and forth, and alternates between two sisters. In some areas made me angry, but made the reading more exciting. Controlling, deceitful characters, also truly caring ones. Every one of them had their twisted stories. Good and entertaining novel.
Story timeline moves back and forth, and alternates between two sisters. In some areas made me angry, but made the reading more exciting. Controlling, deceitful characters, also truly caring ones. Every one of them had their twisted stories. Good and entertaining novel.
August 29, 2017
Working Fire is told in dual timelines, the first is through Ellie’s eyes starting the day she gets a call that there’s been a shooting at her sister Amelia’s address and the second is from Amelia’s point of view six weeks prior. The alternating chapters each have a clear, distinct voice as the sisters were both well drawn and multidimensional, I had a strong sense of both of them as individuals as well as a firm grasp regarding the dynamic of their relationship with each other.
While there is definitely a mysterious element at play here, I don’t think it’s the driving force of the book. Yes, I was super curious about exactly what had happened the day Amelia was shot as well as what events sent things into motion, but at its core this is a novel about family relationships and the secrets that can rip them apart. There’s really not much that interests me more than the bond between sisters and some good old fashioned family secrets and Working Fire had plenty of both. While I wouldn’t describe this as twisty, it did keep me guessing and still surprised me a few times.
There was an emotional component to this, Bleeker has an evocative writing style that makes you care about the characters she creates even if you don’t always understand them. This would be perfect for people who don’t want violence or highly disturbing content in their mysteries, it’s on the lighter side yet still manages to pack a decent punch. The ending especially caught me off guard, it was unexpected and fitting.
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
While there is definitely a mysterious element at play here, I don’t think it’s the driving force of the book. Yes, I was super curious about exactly what had happened the day Amelia was shot as well as what events sent things into motion, but at its core this is a novel about family relationships and the secrets that can rip them apart. There’s really not much that interests me more than the bond between sisters and some good old fashioned family secrets and Working Fire had plenty of both. While I wouldn’t describe this as twisty, it did keep me guessing and still surprised me a few times.
There was an emotional component to this, Bleeker has an evocative writing style that makes you care about the characters she creates even if you don’t always understand them. This would be perfect for people who don’t want violence or highly disturbing content in their mysteries, it’s on the lighter side yet still manages to pack a decent punch. The ending especially caught me off guard, it was unexpected and fitting.
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
September 21, 2017
"This was one of those life moments. The ones that you knew just before they happened would change everything."
I will start off by saying this book was quite hard for me to rate. One part of me wanted to give it 4 stars, the other wanted to give it 2, so I decided to rate it in the middle at 3/5.
This book makes you wonder what you would do in the same situation. You as the reader know everything that happens, but not all the characters find out what exactly happened. This really frustrated me because I am largely in fan of "the truth coming out in the end for all to hear". Also, Ellie's hidden secret at the end just made me angry. I was calling her an idiot the last 5 pages of this ebook. We don't want to give up the opinions we have of others, especially if they are good ones, but come ON Ellie.
I did love that this book had dual timelines and switched back and forth between Ellie and Amelia. I always love that component in a book, and it made this book more interesting for me.
Overall I still think this book will be worth the read for most people, and the mystery element was very appealing as I was reading. I wanted to get to the end to figure out what happened. I would definitely read more by this author.
*Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for sending me a copy of this book. My review is completely honest and unbiased.
I will start off by saying this book was quite hard for me to rate. One part of me wanted to give it 4 stars, the other wanted to give it 2, so I decided to rate it in the middle at 3/5.
This book makes you wonder what you would do in the same situation. You as the reader know everything that happens, but not all the characters find out what exactly happened. This really frustrated me because I am largely in fan of "the truth coming out in the end for all to hear". Also, Ellie's hidden secret at the end just made me angry. I was calling her an idiot the last 5 pages of this ebook. We don't want to give up the opinions we have of others, especially if they are good ones, but come ON Ellie.
I did love that this book had dual timelines and switched back and forth between Ellie and Amelia. I always love that component in a book, and it made this book more interesting for me.
Overall I still think this book will be worth the read for most people, and the mystery element was very appealing as I was reading. I wanted to get to the end to figure out what happened. I would definitely read more by this author.
*Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for sending me a copy of this book. My review is completely honest and unbiased.
April 17, 2020
A solid 3 stars
September 29, 2017
I was lucky enough to read an advance reader copy of this book. I've enjoyed all of Emily's books and this was no exception. This is a great thriller and fast-paced read following a sister who is an EMT through her worst nightmare: getting called to a scene and finding her sister the victim of a gunshot. What happened lies at the center of this book and you'll race to the end to find out.
February 5, 2024
3.5 stars
Dual narrative that tells readers of the present (Ellie) and past(Amelia. A sister centric story with plenty of twists and suspects all combined to make this a gripping tale. I loved( *sarcasm*) closing this book with lingering questions.
Potential book club choice.
Goodreads review published 04/02/24
Dual narrative that tells readers of the present (Ellie) and past(Amelia. A sister centric story with plenty of twists and suspects all combined to make this a gripping tale. I loved( *sarcasm*) closing this book with lingering questions.
Potential book club choice.
Goodreads review published 04/02/24
August 14, 2019
Der Plot und die Charakterisierung der Figuren sind super. Keiner ist wirklich so, wie er anfangs scheint.
Aber insgesamt gibt es auch Einiges, das mich wirklich genervt hat.
Ellie und Amelia kümmern sich nach dem Schlaganfall abwechselnd um ihren Vater. Ellie hat dafür ihr Studium abgebrochen und ist zurück in der Kleinstadt, die sie hasst und Amelia ist schon mit ihren Töchtern, dem Mann, dem Haus und der Firma überfordert.
Dann werden Amelia und ihr Mann Steve überfallen und angeschossen, es gibt einen Toten und ein Freund der Familie ist auf der Flucht.
Während Amelia erzählt, wie sich die Sache wochenlang angebahnt hat, versucht Ellie im Nachhinein herauszufinden was passiert ist. Zwei Wege zur gleichen Katastrophe...
Die beiden Perspektiven bieten Einsicht in die jeweilige Gefühlswelt und Gedanken, so dass man als Leser den Protagonisten voraus ist. Und trotzdem erschließt sich Vieles nicht.
Plötzliches Misstrauen, Gefühlschaos und irrationale Verdächtigungen, die ich nicht nachvollziehen konnte. Gedanken, die an sich normal sind, im Kontext aber nicht schlüssig. Oft ist unklar warum Dinge nicht einfach angesprochen und geklärt werden. Gefühle, die scheinbar schon seit Jahren herrschen, kündigen sich nicht an sondern werden nur im entscheidenden Moment erwähnt oder nachdem die jeweilige Entscheidung gefallen ist.
Was gut rüberkommt ist wie unzufrieden alle sind. Ellie mit ihrer Situation, Amelia mit ihrem Leben, Steve mit Amelia und Caleb mit seinem Geheimnis. Die detaillierten Beschreibungen von Banalitäten vermitteln einen guten Eindruck vom Leben der Figuren.
Aber gerade zum Ende hin wirkt es bemüht, dem Leser die Beweggründe er Protagonisten näher zu bringen, was aber oft nicht klappt.
Caleb war als Figur spannend und ich wollte immer eher das Geheimnis um ihn erfahren als die Tat aufklären.
Ellie dagegen hat mit dem Verlauf der Geschichte immer mehr an Sympathie verloren. Der kleine Twist am Ende ist so gut für die Geschichte aber ernsthaft?!
ACHTUNG SPOILER!
Richtig warm geworden bin ich mit ihr nicht aber als sie erst total glücklich ist über den Heiratsantrag und dann plötzlich erkennt, dass die letzten fünf Jahre mit ihrem Verlobten Collin nur "nett" waren und sie dann mit dem Polizisten zusammen ist der Collin unfair behandelt hat, weil der seinem Bruder Caleb helfen wollte. Ihrem Vater nimmt sie die Sache von damals irgendwie übel, bei ihrem Schwager Steve, der ihren Vater und Caleb erpresst hat, denkt sie aber immer nur daran, dass er ihr Wackelpudding gebracht hat als sie krank war. Und dann freut sie sich auf Mails von ihm, nachdem klar ist, dass er sein Haus in die Luft gejagt hat und verantwortlich dafür ist, dass ihre Schwester angeschossen wurde.
Wegen ihr wären es fast nur 2 Sterne geworden aber insgesamt war es schon unterhaltsam genug.
Aber insgesamt gibt es auch Einiges, das mich wirklich genervt hat.
Ellie und Amelia kümmern sich nach dem Schlaganfall abwechselnd um ihren Vater. Ellie hat dafür ihr Studium abgebrochen und ist zurück in der Kleinstadt, die sie hasst und Amelia ist schon mit ihren Töchtern, dem Mann, dem Haus und der Firma überfordert.
Dann werden Amelia und ihr Mann Steve überfallen und angeschossen, es gibt einen Toten und ein Freund der Familie ist auf der Flucht.
Während Amelia erzählt, wie sich die Sache wochenlang angebahnt hat, versucht Ellie im Nachhinein herauszufinden was passiert ist. Zwei Wege zur gleichen Katastrophe...
Die beiden Perspektiven bieten Einsicht in die jeweilige Gefühlswelt und Gedanken, so dass man als Leser den Protagonisten voraus ist. Und trotzdem erschließt sich Vieles nicht.
Plötzliches Misstrauen, Gefühlschaos und irrationale Verdächtigungen, die ich nicht nachvollziehen konnte. Gedanken, die an sich normal sind, im Kontext aber nicht schlüssig. Oft ist unklar warum Dinge nicht einfach angesprochen und geklärt werden. Gefühle, die scheinbar schon seit Jahren herrschen, kündigen sich nicht an sondern werden nur im entscheidenden Moment erwähnt oder nachdem die jeweilige Entscheidung gefallen ist.
Was gut rüberkommt ist wie unzufrieden alle sind. Ellie mit ihrer Situation, Amelia mit ihrem Leben, Steve mit Amelia und Caleb mit seinem Geheimnis. Die detaillierten Beschreibungen von Banalitäten vermitteln einen guten Eindruck vom Leben der Figuren.
Aber gerade zum Ende hin wirkt es bemüht, dem Leser die Beweggründe er Protagonisten näher zu bringen, was aber oft nicht klappt.
Caleb war als Figur spannend und ich wollte immer eher das Geheimnis um ihn erfahren als die Tat aufklären.
Ellie dagegen hat mit dem Verlauf der Geschichte immer mehr an Sympathie verloren. Der kleine Twist am Ende ist so gut für die Geschichte aber ernsthaft?!
ACHTUNG SPOILER!
Richtig warm geworden bin ich mit ihr nicht aber als sie erst total glücklich ist über den Heiratsantrag und dann plötzlich erkennt, dass die letzten fünf Jahre mit ihrem Verlobten Collin nur "nett" waren und sie dann mit dem Polizisten zusammen ist der Collin unfair behandelt hat, weil der seinem Bruder Caleb helfen wollte. Ihrem Vater nimmt sie die Sache von damals irgendwie übel, bei ihrem Schwager Steve, der ihren Vater und Caleb erpresst hat, denkt sie aber immer nur daran, dass er ihr Wackelpudding gebracht hat als sie krank war. Und dann freut sie sich auf Mails von ihm, nachdem klar ist, dass er sein Haus in die Luft gejagt hat und verantwortlich dafür ist, dass ihre Schwester angeschossen wurde.
Wegen ihr wären es fast nur 2 Sterne geworden aber insgesamt war es schon unterhaltsam genug.
January 30, 2019
Reading this book is like blowing up a balloon. Each chapter gives you a little more air and the more you read the more you wonder when the balloon will burst.
Ellie moves back home to Broadlands, IL to help her sister Amelia with their dad who had a stroke. Ellie works as a paramedic and one day a call comes in for her sister's house and finds both Amelia and her husband, Steve were shot. The story tends to go back and forth from five weeks previous to the shooting and the present, leaving you with the feeling that the balloon is due to explode with each chapter.
While Amelia is critical, Steve gets better and Ellie, looking for answers, comes in contact with secrets and a scenario she would have never thought was possible. Up to the end of this book you think you know what will happen...but you really don't.
Ellie moves back home to Broadlands, IL to help her sister Amelia with their dad who had a stroke. Ellie works as a paramedic and one day a call comes in for her sister's house and finds both Amelia and her husband, Steve were shot. The story tends to go back and forth from five weeks previous to the shooting and the present, leaving you with the feeling that the balloon is due to explode with each chapter.
While Amelia is critical, Steve gets better and Ellie, looking for answers, comes in contact with secrets and a scenario she would have never thought was possible. Up to the end of this book you think you know what will happen...but you really don't.
October 30, 2018
Working fire 2.5⭐️
Ameila has been shot she is in critical condition might not survive and it is up to Ellie to save her sister to find out what really happened.
Then we go back in time and see Amelia living life and all the choas that ensued leading up to the gun shots and bleeding out.
So JK Rowling likes to describe every little thing like a movie which is fine but at times it was much. Take that overly descriptive writing and times it by 5. And she is writing about stupid things like yoga pants on thr floor and talks for a year about things so when we finally get back to what the characters were saying we forget what they were actually talking about.
Amelia is also a stay at home mom and acts as though she has so much on her plate when both her children are at school all day anyway. She acts as though she jas no time for anything but she literally does nothing all day.
Ellie, i liked. she was relatable but again she was stupid for the second half of the book and steve and her, their relationship was so stupid. He is a momster and she still believes hes a good person. She was overly descriptive writing made the story less enjoyable and a bit overkill.
The story could have been half as long minus all the useless crap about nothing and it would have probably been a four star but she went on and on. I painted while listening to this and in a sense the nothingness was good because you really dont have to pay any attention until they say something instead of describing everything
Ameila has been shot she is in critical condition might not survive and it is up to Ellie to save her sister to find out what really happened.
Then we go back in time and see Amelia living life and all the choas that ensued leading up to the gun shots and bleeding out.
So JK Rowling likes to describe every little thing like a movie which is fine but at times it was much. Take that overly descriptive writing and times it by 5. And she is writing about stupid things like yoga pants on thr floor and talks for a year about things so when we finally get back to what the characters were saying we forget what they were actually talking about.
Amelia is also a stay at home mom and acts as though she has so much on her plate when both her children are at school all day anyway. She acts as though she jas no time for anything but she literally does nothing all day.
Ellie, i liked. she was relatable but again she was stupid for the second half of the book and steve and her, their relationship was so stupid. He is a momster and she still believes hes a good person. She was overly descriptive writing made the story less enjoyable and a bit overkill.
The story could have been half as long minus all the useless crap about nothing and it would have probably been a four star but she went on and on. I painted while listening to this and in a sense the nothingness was good because you really dont have to pay any attention until they say something instead of describing everything
September 14, 2017
This is the first novel that I've read from Emily Bleeker and I must say I enjoyed it so much. This novel is told in third person alternating between two sisters, Ellie and Amelia. The book opens with Ellie working a shift as an EMT when her and her partner receive a call for a potential shooting. To Ellie's horror the address is her sister's house. The next chapter continues with Amelia six weeks earlier. Amelia is struggling to manage her many responsibilities with her family,her ailing father and work. This character-driven novel continues in this fashion as the reader is slowly given details through Amelia leading up to the shooting and with Ellie after the shooting as she struggles to make sense of this tragedy. This book continued to be suspenseful as it delved into this family's secrets. This was definitely an entertaining read that was still able to surprise me along the way.
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
June 18, 2017
Ellie has always wanted to leave her hometown and she does for med school. But her father has a stroke and she returns home to help her sister Amelia take care of him. Ellie is working as a paramedic. One day she receives a call about shots fired and it's her sister's address. The book takes place before and after the shooting. It tells the story of what leads up to the shooting and why it happens. Ellie sifts through all the secrets to get to the truth of what happened. It is a great who done it and it keeps you on the edge of your seat while reading. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an ARC in return for an honest review.
October 3, 2017
I have to say I loved this story. The reason for the four stars instead of the five was the ending. Those last couple of pages I was like huh?? The ending needed some resolutions and polishing. Otherwise it would have been five stars
August 30, 2017
Review to follow.
September 8, 2017
Spoiler Alert!
I was loving this book! I zoomed through it so fast and seriously thought I would end up giving it at least 4 stars, maybe 5. The mystery, the family bonds and connections etc... and then the last few pages completely blew it for me. I cannot tell you how very disappointed I was when the author decided to end the book as she did. I have a sister. A very close sister and there is no way in hell anyone close to their sister as the author made them out to be would ever think to be in touch with her sister's husband who tried to murder her! That is an absolute joke to me. I was so stunned that it has taken me a couple of days to even rate this book. I am still torn about the rating I am giving it. In what world would a loving sister actually do this? This man was a narcissi, was manipulating and verbally abusive to her sister and she would attempt to possibly keep in touch? Ridiculous beyond words. A connection to her town is one thing but a loose connection to this man who tried to ruin her very own sister? Absurd. Ruined the whole book for me.
I was loving this book! I zoomed through it so fast and seriously thought I would end up giving it at least 4 stars, maybe 5. The mystery, the family bonds and connections etc... and then the last few pages completely blew it for me. I cannot tell you how very disappointed I was when the author decided to end the book as she did. I have a sister. A very close sister and there is no way in hell anyone close to their sister as the author made them out to be would ever think to be in touch with her sister's husband who tried to murder her! That is an absolute joke to me. I was so stunned that it has taken me a couple of days to even rate this book. I am still torn about the rating I am giving it. In what world would a loving sister actually do this? This man was a narcissi, was manipulating and verbally abusive to her sister and she would attempt to possibly keep in touch? Ridiculous beyond words. A connection to her town is one thing but a loose connection to this man who tried to ruin her very own sister? Absurd. Ruined the whole book for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2017
MY REVIEW OF "WORKING FIRE" By Emily Bleeker
I would like to thank NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Emily Bleeker for the Advanced Reading Copy of "Working Fire" by Emily Bleeker. The genres for this book are Fiction, Mystery, Thriller and Suspense. The timeline of this story is set mostly in the present with explanations of events that happened in the past, that are pertinent to the storyline.
I appreciate that Emily Bleeker has written an intriguing, and captivating story, discussing the importance of family, and the importance of Paramedics, EMT's, Firefighters, and the Police. There are twists and turns, suspense, betrayals, and secrets that are devastating.
The author describes her characters as complex and complicated. Some characters are not who they seem to be. As the storyline progresses, some character are unpredictable and unstable.
Emily Bleeker is a paramedic, who gets a call that there has been a shooting at a familiar address. Emily's sister Amelia and her husband and children live at that address. Everything that Emily has believed in, makes her question everything. Who can you trust?
This is an intense and suspenseful story that will leave you on edge. The ending was surprising to me. I would recommend this novel and look forward to reading more books from this author.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Emily Bleeker for the Advanced Reading Copy of "Working Fire" by Emily Bleeker. The genres for this book are Fiction, Mystery, Thriller and Suspense. The timeline of this story is set mostly in the present with explanations of events that happened in the past, that are pertinent to the storyline.
I appreciate that Emily Bleeker has written an intriguing, and captivating story, discussing the importance of family, and the importance of Paramedics, EMT's, Firefighters, and the Police. There are twists and turns, suspense, betrayals, and secrets that are devastating.
The author describes her characters as complex and complicated. Some characters are not who they seem to be. As the storyline progresses, some character are unpredictable and unstable.
Emily Bleeker is a paramedic, who gets a call that there has been a shooting at a familiar address. Emily's sister Amelia and her husband and children live at that address. Everything that Emily has believed in, makes her question everything. Who can you trust?
This is an intense and suspenseful story that will leave you on edge. The ending was surprising to me. I would recommend this novel and look forward to reading more books from this author.
September 5, 2017
Full review to come.
September 7, 2017
This was a really good book. Excellent narration by Kate Rudd (audible review).
I liked the mystery and the back and forth between the sisters and the the time line.
I like the characters and the story. I did not like the that the ending was a bit rushed and and made me feel like something was missing. But still a good story.
Since this is a mystery I don't want to give any spoilers so I will keep my review brief. Just know this was very enjoyable and kept me listening.
As for the narration it was amazing! Love Kate Rudd. She does such a great job with all the voices including the men's and everyone gets their own distinct voice. She reads with emotion and a very nice reading voice.
I got this as a free read and 1.99 with KU. Great deal!
I liked the mystery and the back and forth between the sisters and the the time line.
I like the characters and the story. I did not like the that the ending was a bit rushed and and made me feel like something was missing. But still a good story.
Since this is a mystery I don't want to give any spoilers so I will keep my review brief. Just know this was very enjoyable and kept me listening.
As for the narration it was amazing! Love Kate Rudd. She does such a great job with all the voices including the men's and everyone gets their own distinct voice. She reads with emotion and a very nice reading voice.
I got this as a free read and 1.99 with KU. Great deal!
July 21, 2018
This book couldn't decide if it wanted to be a taut crime thriller or a romance. So it failed for me as both. I just couldn't stand the passages where eyes turn different colors depending on mood; where tiny touches carry unbearable, infinite portent; where hearts beat with illicit passion. It slowed the pace of the action and muddied the narrative.
The characters were unlikable; the weak, stupid women in particular.
The writing was terrible. Awkward and confused. The dialogue was so stilted I found myself saying aloud, "You know, people DO speak in contractions, don't you?!" Over and over that happened. And one bit still sticks in my mind: Steve says he'll count to five. So he counts "One..." then "Two..." then "Three..." then "Two..." then "One..." I mean WTF??? Bad writer. Bad editor.
The strained attempt to inject ongoing mystery at the end via the Steve character was lame. It just couldn't save the rest of the tale.
So often I find books touted as bestsellers and as having the pedigree of being spawned by a bestselling author...and I can't for the life of me figure out how they attained that status based on the dismal work before me. What a pathetic industry publishing has become, if this is the gold standard of which it is proud.
The characters were unlikable; the weak, stupid women in particular.
The writing was terrible. Awkward and confused. The dialogue was so stilted I found myself saying aloud, "You know, people DO speak in contractions, don't you?!" Over and over that happened. And one bit still sticks in my mind: Steve says he'll count to five. So he counts "One..." then "Two..." then "Three..." then "Two..." then "One..." I mean WTF??? Bad writer. Bad editor.
The strained attempt to inject ongoing mystery at the end via the Steve character was lame. It just couldn't save the rest of the tale.
So often I find books touted as bestsellers and as having the pedigree of being spawned by a bestselling author...and I can't for the life of me figure out how they attained that status based on the dismal work before me. What a pathetic industry publishing has become, if this is the gold standard of which it is proud.
September 16, 2018
What a boring book.
This is the third book I've read by Emily Bleeker. I read Wreckage first...thought it was average, but then I read The Waiting Room, and really enjoyed it's twisty, crazy story. Working Fire, unfortunately, was a dud.
I was so bored through the entirety of this book. I have to assume it was trying to be suspenseful, but instead, we just got page after page of mundane, every day life, alternated between Amelia and Ellie. Normally, I enjoy alternating narrators...I feel it drives the story forward quickly, and cuts out redundancy. Not the case with this story!
Even worse, the antagonist(s) are easily identifiable, nearly from the start.
Bottom line: Boring plot, boring characters, and boring climax. Very disappointing read.
This is the third book I've read by Emily Bleeker. I read Wreckage first...thought it was average, but then I read The Waiting Room, and really enjoyed it's twisty, crazy story. Working Fire, unfortunately, was a dud.
I was so bored through the entirety of this book. I have to assume it was trying to be suspenseful, but instead, we just got page after page of mundane, every day life, alternated between Amelia and Ellie. Normally, I enjoy alternating narrators...I feel it drives the story forward quickly, and cuts out redundancy. Not the case with this story!
Even worse, the antagonist(s) are easily identifiable, nearly from the start.
Bottom line: Boring plot, boring characters, and boring climax. Very disappointing read.
October 23, 2022
Working Fire is a contemporary novel with a touch of mystery. This is the story of two sisters and is told from both perspectives: Ellie’s and Amelia’s. We know that Amelia has been shot, so the present narration helps us understand Ellie’s grief and determination to find out what happened. At the same time, we learn about Amelia’s life before the shooting and what exactly leads to that moment. I loved the relationship between the sisters and the family tragedy, their love for their father and the sacrifices they had made. I despised some of the other characters but found them interesting nonetheless. The writing is subtle and engaging and the book touches various themes like family, love, marriage, and lies.
I was always interested and wanted to know what had happened, but I thought there were too many unnecessary details and I struggled a little, skimmed through some pages because of that. The ending was unpredictable and introduced some interesting discussions. What would have we done?
I was always interested and wanted to know what had happened, but I thought there were too many unnecessary details and I struggled a little, skimmed through some pages because of that. The ending was unpredictable and introduced some interesting discussions. What would have we done?
November 28, 2017
I loved the book blurb, there was so much suspense and mystery surrounding the sisters Ellie and Amelia. And the book was equally good for most parts. It did keep to the plot.
This is my first book by this author Emily Beeker and I loved the mystery which kept me turning the pages.
Ellie, who has come home to look after her father gets a call about her sister, Amelia getting shot and the story makes its twisted journey to get to the truth.
The narration is both from present day Ellie's and Amelia's point of view from a few days earlier. And the secrets continue to be unfolded till the grand finale. There are parts of it which I didn't like, especially at the end. But on the whole it was a light mystery and the book kept up its suspense. A whodunit of sorts.
This is my first book by this author Emily Beeker and I loved the mystery which kept me turning the pages.
Ellie, who has come home to look after her father gets a call about her sister, Amelia getting shot and the story makes its twisted journey to get to the truth.
The narration is both from present day Ellie's and Amelia's point of view from a few days earlier. And the secrets continue to be unfolded till the grand finale. There are parts of it which I didn't like, especially at the end. But on the whole it was a light mystery and the book kept up its suspense. A whodunit of sorts.
February 13, 2020
This was my second Emily Bleeker's book. It was an enjoyable journey, it kept my interest, it was well written.. really nothing wrong about it. But somehow I didn't love it as much as I expected. The ending left me a little unsatisfied.. not as much closure as I hoped for maybe.. all the "good people" have their happy ending (but who the good people are?? so no real spoiler here..) but what about the bad people? And the not-so-bad poor one that didn't get anything after all? I enjoyed more "When I'm gone" from the same author, not because it was a better work, they are both very good, but becuse the ending was more my taste... I'm curious to know if someone else felt the same way I did..
November 19, 2017
Drew me in and read the bulk of it in two days. You won’t know who to trust as you race through to find out exactly who is at fault.
August 10, 2017
Thanks so much to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Emily Bleeker for the opportunity to read and review her latest work.
I really liked her last book, When I'm Gone, and was excited for the opportunity to read Working Fire. This book did not disappoint.
Ellie and Amelia have a very close sisterhood bond - their mother died when the girls were young and they were raised by their dad, a now-retired fire chief in their town. When their dad has a stroke, Ellie leaves medical school to come back to their hometown and help care for him. Amelia is married with two young girls and is busy trying to shuffle her musical career, work at her husband's roofing business, and take care of the girls and her dad.
Ellie is working as a paramedic in town and receives a call about a shooting at her sister's address. From that point on, everyone and everything she has counted on is now called into question. The story is told from Ellie's viewpoint in the present contrasted with Amelia's voice starting months before and working to the present to give background information.
A very good read with a surprising ending!
I really liked her last book, When I'm Gone, and was excited for the opportunity to read Working Fire. This book did not disappoint.
Ellie and Amelia have a very close sisterhood bond - their mother died when the girls were young and they were raised by their dad, a now-retired fire chief in their town. When their dad has a stroke, Ellie leaves medical school to come back to their hometown and help care for him. Amelia is married with two young girls and is busy trying to shuffle her musical career, work at her husband's roofing business, and take care of the girls and her dad.
Ellie is working as a paramedic in town and receives a call about a shooting at her sister's address. From that point on, everyone and everything she has counted on is now called into question. The story is told from Ellie's viewpoint in the present contrasted with Amelia's voice starting months before and working to the present to give background information.
A very good read with a surprising ending!
September 7, 2017
I'd love to sit down with Emily Bleeker and grill her about how she constructs her plots, because all of her books so far have intricate stories with multiple timelines, events and information revealed a crumb at a time until the end.
As both a writer and editor, I usually have no trouble putting a book down, and I haven't since my English studies in college--I had to put books down all the time for one reason or another, and I constantly do now as a matter of my career. But somehow, Emily's books draw me in and hold me there. If I have to put one of her books down, it's with intense reluctance, and I look for when I can get back to it.
Working Fire is no different. Without any spoilers: The dual timelines that gradually merged were done so well. The stakes are so high in the present, and the story moves on a fast clip in it. The thread that begins six weeks earlier moves more slowly, and it needs to for the role it plays, but it never feels boring or slow because we KNOW certain things that happen later and we're anxious to find out how what we're reading now ties in to those events.
If I have any complaint, it's wanting a bit more at the end--a slower wrap-up and denouement. But again, it's a credit to her excellent writing that I wanted MORE, and didn't want it to end quite so fast!
The author has explored several kinds of relationships in her books, but this is the first to dig into the connection between two sisters. I can't wait to see what she releases next!
As both a writer and editor, I usually have no trouble putting a book down, and I haven't since my English studies in college--I had to put books down all the time for one reason or another, and I constantly do now as a matter of my career. But somehow, Emily's books draw me in and hold me there. If I have to put one of her books down, it's with intense reluctance, and I look for when I can get back to it.
Working Fire is no different. Without any spoilers: The dual timelines that gradually merged were done so well. The stakes are so high in the present, and the story moves on a fast clip in it. The thread that begins six weeks earlier moves more slowly, and it needs to for the role it plays, but it never feels boring or slow because we KNOW certain things that happen later and we're anxious to find out how what we're reading now ties in to those events.
If I have any complaint, it's wanting a bit more at the end--a slower wrap-up and denouement. But again, it's a credit to her excellent writing that I wanted MORE, and didn't want it to end quite so fast!
The author has explored several kinds of relationships in her books, but this is the first to dig into the connection between two sisters. I can't wait to see what she releases next!
August 29, 2017
I enjoyed the sisters' bond and really enjoyed Ellie as a protagonist. She's good. She's smart. And brave.
August 14, 2017
Thank you to the amazing Amazon Publishing for sending me this book in exchange of an honest review.
I was excited about this book, for numerous reasons. First it was my first Emily Bleeker read, Second because I to live in Illinois and I am counting down the days until I can leave. Last but not least, and probably the most important, the book sounds fantastic.
So as the above synopsis states, Ellie must figure out where her devotions lie, and who in her life she can trust. The one negative thing I will say about this book, is I HATE how her side of the story ended. To me, Ellie is lacking something, and is very selfish. I was pissed at her during the last 2 or 3 pages. I am hoping there is some kind of sequel in the works.
Now, saying all of that. This book was good. Nice and twisty, the kind of book that makes you question every person. Really you just cant trust anyone. I like books that do that. I did guess parts of this book, the reason behind the shooting was fairly predictable, kind of saw it coming early on. But the smaller parts with the secondary characters are what make this book. Getting the back story on all of them, spread throughout the story, made for a really fast, enjoyable read.
I am glad I got to review this one, and I am thankful to Amazon Publishing for sending it to me! I will most definitely be reading more Emily Bleeker. I read in her acknowledgement that she thanked Catherine Mackenzie for helping her so much with this book, and I loved that, Catherine Mackenzie writes some incredible books as well!
I was excited about this book, for numerous reasons. First it was my first Emily Bleeker read, Second because I to live in Illinois and I am counting down the days until I can leave. Last but not least, and probably the most important, the book sounds fantastic.
So as the above synopsis states, Ellie must figure out where her devotions lie, and who in her life she can trust. The one negative thing I will say about this book, is I HATE how her side of the story ended. To me, Ellie is lacking something, and is very selfish. I was pissed at her during the last 2 or 3 pages. I am hoping there is some kind of sequel in the works.
Now, saying all of that. This book was good. Nice and twisty, the kind of book that makes you question every person. Really you just cant trust anyone. I like books that do that. I did guess parts of this book, the reason behind the shooting was fairly predictable, kind of saw it coming early on. But the smaller parts with the secondary characters are what make this book. Getting the back story on all of them, spread throughout the story, made for a really fast, enjoyable read.
I am glad I got to review this one, and I am thankful to Amazon Publishing for sending it to me! I will most definitely be reading more Emily Bleeker. I read in her acknowledgement that she thanked Catherine Mackenzie for helping her so much with this book, and I loved that, Catherine Mackenzie writes some incredible books as well!
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