While standing in a line for who even knows what at Bouchercon in Nashville last year, I got to meet Jason Powell. Listen, this guy is sweet and humble and since he handed me his card, I have been watching closely to see what he would do. Interestingly enough, I have a son in law who is a firefighter near Lexington Kentucky so you know I was going to read this as soon as I could.
Charles Davids, a probationary firefighter, has recently finished his time at the academy and has been assigned to his station. Charles is timid, a rule follower, he is shy and not sure of himself. We get little bits and pieces of his personality as the story progresses and how important the family inside of the FDNY station is to him. Next, we have Alan Johnson. An unstable, drunk husband on the verge of divorce. His wife throws him out of the house and he hatches a plan to torment her. Every night, he calls in false reports of fires at her apartment, taking twisted delight in imagining her being roused by the blaring sirens and horns. If he can’t find peace in their home, why should she? Eventually these two will cross paths and what will the outcome be?
It is clear from the writing that the author loves his job and the people and the nuances that go along with it. Jason Powell provides a compelling, immersive, and genuine look into the lives of the everyday heroes who safeguard New York City from the dangers of fire and more and what their families are going through to support them. No Man's Ghost doesn’t just explore the physical world; it dives deep into the mind of its characters, exposing their vulnerabilities and the ghosts—both literal and metaphorical—that haunt them. Powell’s use of imagery and symbolism is exceptional, making the reader feel immersed in both the story and the emotional landscape of the characters.
Powell has crafted a story that is not only suspenseful but also deeply human.
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