Review: Truth more terrifying than any fiction
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 4, 2014
The detached, absent-minded writer who exists in a fog created by his own imagination is largely a false stereotype. In reality a skilled  writer is apt to be more closely aware of what's going on around him than others. It's this awareness that provides material for his stories.This author certainly didn't have her head in the clouds when she sensed that something was wrong at her home on the French Riviera.  The Mediterranean region is hot and dry in summer and wildfire is a constant danger, especially when the Mistral (strong winds from the north) sweeps through.  All open fires are prohibited and water-carrying planes stand by for emergencies.Like other man-made plans, this one works most of the time, but not always.  When a wildfire gets out of control, evacuation is the only answer.  And in an area which has been densely populated for centuries, evacuation can be difficult and dangerous.  Those narrow, twisty, often dead-end roads make for picturesque post-cards, but can quickly turn into deathtraps.I don't read fiction, but I can certainly understand why this author's mysteries are so popular.  She makes the reader see it, hear it, smell it, and FEEL it. I read this little book through in one sitting and held my breath more than once.  Great read!