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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
When I started this book, I wasn't sure there'd be enough to fill 200 pages. Alas, this is a fascinating story (if only Hesse could've interviewed Tonya and included her voice), though a very quick read. You understand why one of the two arsonists does it but the story isn't quite complete. My favorite parts were probably the passages discussing why arsonists commit the crimes they do.
Interesting read if you’re into small town stories and true crime.
I can't believe I'd never heard of this before! 67 cases of arson in 5 months?! You learn right off the bat who caused it, but it's such a crazy story, the question of why they did it keeps you reading.
4 stars because I was actually surprised that about halfway through the book there was still enough mystery and nuance for me to want to keep reading. Even though you could tell that this was her first longform work (and some of the writing was a little gimmicky at times), you could also tell she put in a lot of time and research to understand the history of Accomack County and its people.
This follows the format of several nonfiction books I've read lately, where you switch people the "culprit" (or the victim?)'s story and the story of the impact of their crimes on the broader community. In this case, it was the story of Charlie and Tonya and what their arson spree did to the community. Even though you learn right away who committed the arsons, the ultimate "why" still keeps you reading--and even at the end, you're not fully sure you have the entire story.
An interesting quick read, especially if you're familiar with the VA Eastern Shore area.
This follows the format of several nonfiction books I've read lately, where you switch people the "culprit" (or the victim?)'s story and the story of the impact of their crimes on the broader community. In this case, it was the story of Charlie and Tonya and what their arson spree did to the community. Even though you learn right away who committed the arsons, the ultimate "why" still keeps you reading--and even at the end, you're not fully sure you have the entire story.
An interesting quick read, especially if you're familiar with the VA Eastern Shore area.
informative
medium-paced
Well-rounded true crime story about arson in a small town, the couple convicted of the crime, the volunteer firefighters dealing with the fires, and the investigation and trial. 3.5 stars
Read it because:
Nonfiction November read
Read it because:
Nonfiction November read
"The trouble with being the type of person who would do anything for love was that you would do anything for love."
Engrossing retelling of a string of arsons on the Eastern Shore of Virginia -- told through interviews with volunteer firefighters (who dealt with all 70+ fires in this empty stretch of country!), investigators, and the community. In the end, I'm as baffled as anybody about the why and the wherefore. But I also feel sympathy for the two arsonists, struggling to make sense of a world in which money is tight, emotions run high, and addiction is never far away.
Engrossing retelling of a string of arsons on the Eastern Shore of Virginia -- told through interviews with volunteer firefighters (who dealt with all 70+ fires in this empty stretch of country!), investigators, and the community. In the end, I'm as baffled as anybody about the why and the wherefore. But I also feel sympathy for the two arsonists, struggling to make sense of a world in which money is tight, emotions run high, and addiction is never far away.
This is the most rare of true-crime books: a book about another crime that is neither murder nor organized crime. As the title suggests, this is a book about arson, and a lot of it. It is set in rural Virginia around 2012-2014 when a string of seemingly unrelated fires kept the volunteer fire department up at night. The author, Monica Hesse, weaves together the story of the fires, the community, and the firebugs who were the last people that authorities suspected. She writes in an engaging way that keeps your interest without ever talking down to the reader. In a sea of true-crime books about various murders, this book is a breath of fresh air.
I purchased this book from Book of the Month, as it was my July pick. It is my first time participating in a book subscription box, and I was not disappointed. This book was a good read, if you could get through the first couple of chapters! I haven't ever read a true crime before, and I'd say this was a great first true crime read!
informative
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
3.5 stars. This is (in theory) my favorite kind of book--nonfiction that should read like a novel, with richly drawn characters. But for whatever reason, it never felt like the author really understood the characters, and the sketches of many of the main characters are rather flat. It's a fascinating story that should have been much, much more engaging than it was.