I win this story in a competition, and I'm really happy I did, as it gave me the chance to check this book.

Intriguing and well-paced, this short story hooked me from the beginning. Darkness and mystery are all present, creating a compelling atmosphere.

If you're not bothered by stories which won't give you all the answers and left intriguing points open, you'll enjoy this. ( )

Thanks to the author, Susan May, for the digital copy of this novella. I've read most of Susan May's books and have enjoyed all of them. Behind the Fire is no exception. It's suspenseful and the pacing is perfect. Her characters are always developed enough to make me feel as though they could be someone I might know. But this novella is not all serious, mysterious, scary stuff like "black things" and arson. I thought the portrayal of the prosecuting attorney was hilarious and wanted to cheer when he received what he was due at the quick, perfect and satisfying ending.

As a bonus, a short story entitled, Gone, was included. I thought it was excellent and kept me guessing until the end. I have read so many newspaper articles about people disappearing and are never heard from again. It really makes me wonder if there is alien life out there and if it's possible for them to snatch people from earth.

I love the Imagination Vault where Ms. May tells us how she gets the inspiration for her stories. Fantastic stuff!! ( )

I can honestly say I’ve never read a book like this before and how refreshing it is to be able to say that! Susan May has managed to invent creatures/beings of a whole new kind which must be incredibly hard seeing as so many people are writing fantasy books nowadays. They didn’t have a name but they struck fear into Bobbie Jessup and his wife Emily. Where these things came from they didn’t know but they knew that it was vitally important they didn’t get out into our world and there seemed to be only one solution. Fire. I found it gripping and couldn’t wait to read more but it felt like as soon as it started it had ended. I could have read a book twice as long as this was. I think my only real criticism would be that it ended where it did, I was ready for more. But all in all, I loved it! A 5 star book! ( )

Behind The Fire, by Susan May, is a perfect blend of horror, supernatural forces and suspense. Emily and Bobby did not start out as criminals. Due to shocking events they find themselves on trial for being serial arsonists. They don't deny what they have done, but will anyone believe the true reasons for their actions? This is a well written and exciting story that moves very quickly towards a surprise ending. At the end of the story is a bonus story about a couple who have been married for a long time. During an interview, just one statement from the wife changes everything. The story is absolutely priceless!! Both stories are worth reading.

I received this book for free through LibraryThing and I give this review of my own free will. ( )

How far would a wife go to protect and defend her husband? Apparently way out to the end of reality, according to this tale of love, arson and the supernatural. Things go awry in their court trial when the wife changes the prearranged plan and tells all. As a fan of Stephen King and Dean Koontz, I loved it. The novella included an additional short story at the end and I am looking for more works from Ms. May. My thanks to the author and LibraryThing for a complimentary copy. ( )