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danidsfavereads 's review for:
American Fire: Love, Arson, and Life in a Vanishing Land
by Monica Hesse
“Fire is a living breathing thing. It pushes. It pulses.”
This story was a fascinating look into the serial arson which occurred in Accomack County. The book is a combination of history lesson, love story, and snapshot of life in this town, with a hint of ‘Law & Order’.
I enjoyed getting a glimpse how the whole county was affected by this string of crimes - from the residents to the volunteer firefighters to the police officers investigating. I also appreciated getting the history of the county which gave you a feeling of being invested in what was happening to the area.
There is also the love story between those convicted of the crimes, Charlie Smith and Tonya Bundick. We may never know exactly how their progress of their relationship lead to the string of crimes.
Finally, the ‘Law and Order’ aspect is what really intrigued me. How the two accused responded questioning - with one confessing outright and the other clinging to innocence. The real way justice was carried out in this area was fascinating, because to the layperson, the thought of a trial is what is shown on tv.
I would definitely recommend this book. Especially if you’re interested in true crime.
This story was a fascinating look into the serial arson which occurred in Accomack County. The book is a combination of history lesson, love story, and snapshot of life in this town, with a hint of ‘Law & Order’.
I enjoyed getting a glimpse how the whole county was affected by this string of crimes - from the residents to the volunteer firefighters to the police officers investigating. I also appreciated getting the history of the county which gave you a feeling of being invested in what was happening to the area.
There is also the love story between those convicted of the crimes, Charlie Smith and Tonya Bundick. We may never know exactly how their progress of their relationship lead to the string of crimes.
Finally, the ‘Law and Order’ aspect is what really intrigued me. How the two accused responded questioning - with one confessing outright and the other clinging to innocence. The real way justice was carried out in this area was fascinating, because to the layperson, the thought of a trial is what is shown on tv.
I would definitely recommend this book. Especially if you’re interested in true crime.