Rating: 
Summary: Deception doesn't get any more fascinating!
Review: "~Jack Wade is an arson investigator (tossed off the police force for perjury, brutality and framing a guilty man), and a really smart claims adjuster. Poor guy, he's also swimming with the sharks, and you have to read this book to the very end to understand the magnitude of betrayal that is the theme of this book. to find. And then the really good stuff begins. There is no extraneous detail in this book, and Winslow tells this story of massive deceit and betrayal with bone-dry wit. I've read many of Winslow's books, and they just keep getting better. After this book, you'll never look at insurance companies the same way again!
Rating:
Summary: Humorous who-done-it
Review: In California, fire investigator Jack Wade works claims for an insurance company. His current case involves the death of Pamela Vale, who died in her home. Jack's most acrimonious rival immediately declares was an accident. However, after a thorough search of the place, Jack believes that someone deliberately set the fire to murder the fund-raiser. Jack believes Pam's spouse Nicky is the arsonist-killer even though the suspect has an alibi provided by his mother. Instead, Jack sees a developer near bankrupt who suddenly has money within his grasp. Unbeknownst to Jack is the Russian connection. However, he and his former lover (Pam's half-sister) will soon find out about that and more as they continue to make inquiries into the fire that left one person dead. Perhaps the afterglow will burn Jack too once he learns the truth. CALIFORNIA FIRE AND LIFE is a hot who-done-it that will leave readers laughing from the most puns fired on this side of Mundania and excited from the fast-paced story line. The tale never cools off as Jack digs himself deeper into trouble. As he did with THE DEATH AND LIFE OF BOBBY Z, Don Winslow provides his audience with an entertaining tale that is the ultimate l(arson)y investigation. Harriet Klausner
Rating: 
Summary: California Fire and Life
Review: A super read. For a Californian who remembers the two lane road, (through orange groves to San Juan Capistrano to San Diego),it's a wonderful window to the past. Be it 1970 or 1942. California Fire and Life captures, in freez-frame, the essence of the soft and soiled under-belly of California law enforcement. Being a "fly on the wall" of the LAPD and the Sheriff's Deptartment of Eugene Biscailuz, it all fits together. Read it - You'll love it. My uncle was LAPD - his stories still enthrall me - since 99.9% of his recanters have proven to be fact, especially everthing related to the south central division, it validates his view even more so. With my copius notes and documemts I may still write a small and possibly inconsiquensial tome on the meanderings of the LAPD. "To Serve and Protect" So be it - read the book - you'll love it.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding
Review: A totally excellent read. Don Winslow's style is fresh, forthright and very readable. The plot for this novel is fascinatingly local to the California coast, yet reaches out to effortlessly call on international intrigue also. Don Winslow's detail on the mechanics of fire and arson are as good as anything the (early) efforts of Patricia Cornwell and Thomas Harris brought us in the world of forensics. Jack wade is a likable main character with just enough flaws to get you on his side for the whole ride, and what a ride. This plot twists and turns constantly, believably and enthrallingly. This book will take you to the last page quicker than you think and definitely quicker than you want. Don Winslow knows his stuff and can write.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book!!
Review: Absolutely loved it!! Lots of twists and turns, and I really liked the information on arson investigation! I always wondered how the fire investigators could determine so much information out of some charred timbers and ashes. I'm going to wait a few days and read it again!!
Rating:
Summary: fascinating, captivating
Review: Almost but not quite five stars. I thouroughly enjoyed this book. It was a very painless way to learn about arson and investigation of arson. The central character was beliveable and not a superhero. I would without hesitation recommend this book to anyone.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: California Fire and Life Don Winslow Knopf 1999 ISBN 0676549705 H.C. Mystery I had never heard of Don Winslow before I was sent this book to review, now he is a favorite. Jack Wade an arson adjuster for California Fire and Life Mutual, understands fires, its the people that he doesn't understand. Wade is a very engaging character, who really knows what he is doing. Jack must investigate a fire that he knows is arson, but others believe is accidental, his own company starts to pressure him to settle the case, but he cant and he breaks his own cardinal rule, "You don't get emotional and what ever you do don't get involved. As Jack gets further and further involved the situation becomes more dangerous. Soon arson is the least of Jacks worry, as the case grows to involve the Russian mob and Vietnamese gangs and much more. This book is a wild ride through the world of fire and insurance. The characters are cool and real life. I especially liked the details of the fire investagationing.
Rating:
Summary: Wow! What a Ride!
Review: Couldn't put this book down. And just when you think you've got the ending figured out, the plot twists every which way and your jaw drops with the revelation. I found each of the characters interesting and complicated. The description of "Fire School" and the details of arson investigation kept the story current. I wish there were more books like this one. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: terrific ! Winslow at his finest. A must read for Summer
Review: Don Winslow has an uncanny way of linking people to situations without you seeing it coming. This one is no exception. I read it in two days. My heart goes out to Pamela Vale and all the Pamela Vales there are in the world.....
Rating:
Summary: A real page burner!
Review: Find out if an emigré Russian mobster turned his wife & home to shishlik for the insurance money. Well worth the read, and one of the best examples of what life is sometimes like for an over achieving insurance adjuster. True in many respects especially the details. Gives respectability to a field that most people only encounter by accident and often come away from that experience with a negative opinion. A negative is one thing this book isn't!
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