Behind the Fire

By: Susan May

Narrated by: Hollis McCarthy

Length: 4 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

Narrated by award winning voice artist Hollis McCarthy.

What if all that stood between us and hell was a match?

An ordinary couple stand accused of a heinous crime. They're the last people you'd expect to save the world. Are they criminals, heroes, or completely insane? Or maybe all three?

Emily and Bobby Jessup are just a sweet, ordinary couple, except they stand accused of multiple counts of first-degree arson. Their small coal-mining community has branded them criminals and sociopaths. The case against them seems open and shut.

Something terrifying though led Bobby and Emily to leave their two young children with a sitter while they embarked on a crazy fire-bug spree. That something was an incredible secret they'd promised to protect.

When Emily impulsively breaks her promise while under cross-examination, a bizarre tale unfolds of the night she followed her husband and discovered the truth of his clandestine activities. These two are the last people anyone would expect to save the world. Yet, that's what they claim. Are they criminals, heroes or completely insane?

Inspired by true-life headlines, revealed in Susan May's fascinating postscript From the Imagination Vault, Behind the Fire is an engrossing novelette of the random appearances of frightening black things, and one couple's battle to protect their town from these dangerous and hellish creatures.

Fans of Stranger Things will delight in this horror thriller-with-a-twist inspired by true events. From the international best-selling author readers call the new Stephen King, comes a tale of horror, love, and incredible bravery. 

©2013 Susan May (P)2019 Susan May

Bonnie and Clyde beat back Aliens...

I have read several of Susan May's books and Behind the Fire is one of my favorites. How much devotion does a wife have when her husband tells her he is secretly saving the Earth from terrifying creatures? Enough to help him do it! The whole time I was listening to this book, I kept thinking what a great movie it would make. Love, action, drama, monsters... what's not to like? I truly hope there will be a sequel to this story because I have questions (where did the coordinates to find the creatures come from?) and I need to see how this shakes out.
There is also a bonus short story featured with this purchase and it is very clever in how it deals with other life forms. 5 stars all around!

Don’t read before bed!

You will never look at the dark the same. Is there something there. A face perhaps! Susan May takes you on a ride of terror. Twists turns and surprise ending! If you like Koontz and King you will love this author!

Behind the Fire

First of all, I have to say that I am a huge fan of Susan May's books and stories. I know that when I start reading one of her books, I might as well just set aside plenty of time to finish it quickly. Her books really draw the reader into the story and you just have to keep reading in order to see what happens next.

Emily and Bobby Jessup are an ordinary couple with two young children. That is, until they are arrested for being serial arsonists. What would cause them to set fire to seemingly arbitrary buildings in their small coal-mining community? Are they crazy? Or, is there something evil trying to invade their world and they are just trying to keep it away?

I love the addition of the Imagination Vault that Ms. May adds at the end of her books. I always enjoy hearing the inspiration for her stories. The fact that this one is based on a true story makes it even stranger. Every book that I have read by Ms. May reminds me of the old "Twilight Zone" TV series, leading the reader/listener on a journey into a strange, often supernatural, world.

This story ended in an unexpected way and I hope that Ms. May someday returns to Karlgarin to see what happens after the end of this story. I also enjoyed the short story "Gone" that was included in this audiobook. Once again, I would love to read more of this one, too.

The narrator, Hollis McCarthy, is the perfect fit for this story and adds a lot to the listener's enjoyment. I was given the chance by the author to listen to the audiobook version of this book, but the opinions expressed are totally my own.

Another Great Little Read by Susan May

The more and more I read/listen to Susan May the more I enjoy her. I was hesitant on this being read by someone new. Susan did a wonderful job at when she chose Hollis McCarthy as the narrator. The story is open ended and we are left with questions. If you listen the writer's notes there is hope for answers in the future but I didn't mind wondering.
Whatever the fire starters are they are not good! That's all you need to know.
Thank you Susan for another great read!

Another spectacular Susan May story!!

Such a great read this one was. A fairly quick read, I loved the characters and their story lines. They were likable at times, and at other times not as much, which made them feel so real. I'm not typically a fan of books that go back and forth in time, but this one seemed to work.
I also don't like to give things away in my review, but I will tell you this was fun, very well written, and left me wondering what I could read next!
Take a look. I don't think you'll be disappointed!!

Twilight Zone

While listening to this audio book, I was reminded of Twighlight Zone episodes. I found it entertaining. This SCI_FI novella had many twists and turns.

A great short story.

Emily and Bobby Jessup are just your average people who by accident find that it is on their shoulders to stop the dark things from taking over. Okay, this paranormal was so awesome. The author took a real event and turned it into a great short story. It will not take long to read or listen to but it is well worth the time. If you like the strange this is the book for you. Two thumbs up to Hollis McCarthy's excellent narration. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

Captivating!

The story was intriguing and kept me captivated. Putting this audible down was hard to do at times. The narrator held me captive along with the story line.
The end was such a surprise!

As a short story. i loved it!!

wroireat story!!!

The way you started the story and ended it was fantastic. It really has me curious as to what actually happened.

There's another story with this one, i just know it!!! I can't wait to see if you write more on this one. There's diffenatly questions that would be great to hear explained.

Narrator had a voice i really enjoyed. Sounded kinda southerner to me.

Keep the story's coming!! Fan for life!!

😀😀😀😀😀

GRIPPING PLOT

BEHIND THE FIRE. ...by SUSAN MAY
Fantastic narration by Hollis McCarthy You want to hold your breathe as Bobby and then Emily are on the stand. They believe in what they did, Em dares to bring out the truth. Does one have to believe in dark creatures. determined to destroy places in this small town in Australia to believe her.
A gripping tale, that was brought to life by Holly McCarthy.

couldn't stop listening

Another gd book. your so gd at writing them Susan. keep them coming xxx x

I want more!

Brilliant book, well told. Kept you guessing. Loved it. Susan May is a fantastic story teller

Behind the Fire

This was a good story,a weird story.We don't get a clear ending.A couple sets fires to get rid of 'black things'.I didn't know it was a true story,well the arsons were anyway. Hollis McCarthy was a fine narrator. I really liked the short story 'Gone'. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'