Skies of Ash

A Detective Elouise Norton Novel

By: Rachel Howzell Hall

Narrated by: Je Nie Fleming

Skies of Ash is the second thrilling read in the Detective Elouise Norton series from beloved crime author Rachel Howzell Hall.

Los Angeles homicide detective Elouise "Lou" Norton and her partner, Colin Taggert, arrive at the scene of a tragic house fire. Juliet Chatman perished in the blaze, along with her two children. Left behind is grieving husband and father Christopher Chatman, hospitalized after trying to rescue his family. Chatman is devastated that he couldn't save them.

Unless, of course, he's the one who killed them.

Neighbors and family friends insist the Chatmans were living the dream. But Lou quickly discovers the reality was very different. The flames of adultery, jealousy, scandal, fraud, and disease had all but consumed the Chatmans' marriage before it went up in smoke.

Lou's own marriage hangs by a thread. Soured by the men in her life, Lou is convinced that Chatman started the fire. Her colleagues worry that her personal issues are obscuring her judgment. With very little evidence regarding the fire—and rising doubts about her husband's commitment to monogamy—Lou feels played by all sides.

Was the fire sparked by a serial arsonist known as The Burning Man? Or by the Chatmans' son, who regularly burned his father's property?

Searching for justice through the ashes of a picture-perfect family, Lou doesn't know if she will catch an arsonist or be burned in the process.

Critic reviews

"Lou . . . is a formidable fighter--someone you want on your side." --New York Times Book Review

"A fresh voice in crime fiction." --Lee Child, New York Times bestselling author

"Hall..has a true gift.”—Crimespree Magazine

“Another smart LA procedural…this determined African American protagonist makes a wonderful addition to the genre.”--Booklist on Trail of Echoes

“Hall outdoes her stellar debut in an exploration of vile secrets that pays homage to that earlier master of complex California homicide, Raymond Chandler.”—Kirkus Reviews on Skies of Ash

“Rachel Howzell has written another riveting thriller starring her favorite (and mine!) female sleuth, the fabulous when furious and even better when behaving Lou Norton…one of the summer's best.”—Huffington Post on Skies of Ash

"A racially explosive Los Angeles provides the backdrop for this exceptional crime novel...Dead-on dialogue and atmospheric details help propel a tale full of tormenting moral issues. Lou, a brave lady in a brave book, does the best she can." —Publishers Weekly, starred review on Land of Shadows

Terrific series

Great story and development of the detective Elouise. I love this narrator too, she has a terrific way of bringing so many characters to life. Looking forward to the next one!

THE DRAMA!

What a cliffhanger of an ending to the Detective Eloise Norton series' second installation.

Although I was disappointed that the detective found herself back in the grubby clutches of her husband Greg, I was ultimately proud of her decision to remain true to herself and her instincts as she navigated both her rocky personal and professional journies.

I wonder how Rachel Howzell Hall comes up with neck breaking twists and turns for the detective to run down. Her vivid writing and steady pacing are second to none.

I can't wait to dive into the third installation of this series!

Great detective story + excellent performance!

I absolutely loved not being able to figure out the ending! The performance was five star! I was so surprised that the voice actor could have so many voices and make you “see“ the nuances of each character portrayal.

I love this series!!

When I started the first book I wasn’t sure about the narrator but now I can’t imagine anyone else doing it. I’ve listened to the first two in less than a week and I’m about to buy the third. I love it.

Great Book

Can't wait to listen to the next one in the series I'll be downloading that 1 as soon as possible