The Unforgettable Fire

Notorious Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut

By: M. William Phelps

Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Length: 2 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's Summary

New England is best known for its covered bridges, immaculate town greens, and Revolutionary War history. Yet an evil presence has hidden behind the 17th-century stone walls and clap-boarded homes of CT, Mass., and Rhode Island for centuries. New York Times best-selling author M. William Phelps takes a look at some of the most terrifyingly true stories in New England history.

©2014 M William Phelps (P)2014 Gregg Olsen

Fifteen Seconds To Get Out Alive

I got this **JUST** for the telling of the very tragic nightclub fire at "The Station" in Rhode Island. If you have only heard about this fire, but didn't know the details - give it a shot. You will be surprised to learn just how horrible this really was.

Not only did it instantly become a raging fire with deadly fumes and blinding black smoke, but there was also burning dripping tar from the "soundproofed" ceilings setting patrons on fire as well as they scattered wildly into the darkness. Within one MINUTE or less in a tightly packed nightclub - many many died as they all rushed a single 3' doorway to escape, to no avail. The lucky ones that "got away" in the early initial seconds were severely burned and horribly scarred forever.

Factoid never mentioned in this story: There WAS a back/rear exit, but the security guard prevented people from going out that way (sent them back into the club) because it was "for the band only". Only after HE left was it accessible - by then it was too late, the club was engulfed in flames.

The aftermath of THIS very fire changed the fire codes concerning bars/clubs in most US cities. I remember seeing the film footage on the news...people wedged so tightly within the door frame, they couldn't even be pulled free as they burned alive. Sooo sooo sad. After hearing this story - I promise you, you WILL scope out potential exit locations the next time you go to a club or concert venue.

The other stories...enhhh, I was NOT thrilled to hear at length the life story, background, etc of Dr. Henry Lee and his investigative forensic talents. I was expecting ALL crime/criminal cases, not a biography thrown in. There are two other crime related cases...one from the 1600's (what the heck???), and another one that isn't that bad. Normally I would return this - but - for THE STATION FIRE episode alone, I'm keeping it. Oh, and because it's Kevin Pierce narrating too :-)

Really two-and-a-half

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I would have cut out the second half of the book as it really has no value. Just a time filler. However, the first story about the tragic nightclub fire was interesting, though very sad.

Have you listened to any of Kevin Pierce’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have listened to a number of books narrated by Kevin Pierce. Don't think he's everyone's top choice, but I have grown to like and appreciate him.

Series is well done

This series tells each story with the highlights.

I like it when I don’t have to read a 500 page book but get the facts in ten minutes.

Kevin Pierce makes this series even better!

I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, narrator, and/or publisher.

I voluntarily left this review.