Painted Fire

Ben Merle is desperate. His wife has fallen victim to a mystery illness baffling the medical world, and time is running out. As a last resort Ben launches a public appeal, and an anonymous benefactor steps forward, putting Ben and Kate on a flight from their home in the UK to San Francisco.

Where Merle is waiting...

Soon after meeting the charismatic Merle, Kate’s health starts to improve, and Ben turns a blind eye to the mounting death toll as people around them die. But Kate wants answers, and when Merle fails to provide any she insists on going home, despite warnings that her illness will return and she’ll die.
Merle turns his attentions on Ben, telling him that healing comes at a price. He questions what Ben is willing to pay.

But Merle isn’t talking about money...


'Original, thrilling, and gripping.' - Beyond The Books.
'Unique and mysterious.' - Hannah May Book Reviews.
'Mindblowing.' - Bookworm.
'With Mark Fowler’s books that you never know what you’re going to get. This applies here in spades. The story is mystical, almost mythic, leaving you wondering what’s true and what isn’t. The ending is unexpected and really hits you.It’s a book you’ll definitely think about afterwards.' - Ignite.
'This book really gave me the creeps! The story felt familiar but then twisted so much as to keep me reading late into the night. A hell of a ride! Another fabulous book by Mark Fowler.' Mrs TJ Boothbt.
'Magical and Mysterious.' Helen Frost.
'Thriller, murder mystery, or fantasy? A superbly written book.' Veronika Jordan.
'Dark, thrilling and unique.' Rosie Bray.
'Intriguing.' Kirasmam.
'I would love to have been in Mark's head when he wrote this, I honestly wonder where he gets his ideas from. It's weird for sure, but not in a bad way. It is well written, deep and it tells you a lot about the human mind and what we as humans will do for the people we love. It's shocking, very violent at times, in fact quite a scary book, but with a big message. Highly recommended.' LM.