I’m OBSESSED! This one grabbed me from the very first page and never let go. The pacing was perfect and everything played out so vividly in my head. Knowing the author is an NYC firefighter added so much authenticity. The level of detail and insider knowledge made it feel raw, intense, and real. Every part of it delivered. Such an amazing debut!

Thank you to Datura Books and Jason Powell for a #gifted copy of No Man’s Ghost.

What happens when you take an alcoholic who’s just been kicked out of his house and a probationary firefighter in his first week on the job? You get two characters barreling toward a fiery, unforgettable collision. 🔥👀

🧯 What did you love the most?
From the first chapter, I could tell Powell had real firefighting experience (turns out he’s an actual firefighter!). 😅🔥 It felt like I was reading a behind-the-scenes documentary, seeing what it’s really like to become a rookie firefighter. It added so much authenticity and depth. 🖤

I also loved how Powell wove Alan and Charlie’s stories together. 🤌 Alan is a bitter alcoholic out for revenge, while Charlie is a rookie just trying to stay alive. Their paths cross in these unexpected, intense ways that kept me hooked. 🙌

🧯 What to expect:
🚒 Firefighter brotherhood and training
💥 Domestic drama and addiction
👥 Multiple POVs
🖤 Short, punchy chapters

🧯 How was the pace?
It’s a slow-burn mystery that builds carefully. 🔥 While there are definitely some tense scenes (especially that explosive ending!), this isn’t a nonstop action thriller; it’s more about the characters and the tension slowly simmering to a big payoff. 🤩

🧯 Do you recommend this book?
Absolutely! Powell’s debut stands out because of his real-world experience; it shines through in every scene. 📚😍 If you’re looking for a gritty, authentic mystery with a unique firefighting backdrop, this is a solid pick. 🚒

🧯 Perfect for fans of:
📚 Tana French
📚 Dennis Lehane
📚 S.A. Cosby

🧯 Mood:
🚨 Tense | 🔥 Gritty | 👨‍🚒 Unflinching

🧯 Read if you like:
📖 Slow-burn mysteries with atmospheric settings
🪵 Gritty, real-world thrillers
🚒 Firefighter fiction that feels authentic and raw

A debut story by a firefighter by day, author by night. Jason Powell skillfully builds tension as a young firefighter, on his first week out of the academy, is part of the crew that must face an ex-husband determined to add as much misery to his family as possible. The character Charles Davids is an example of a firefighter who finds himself facing life-and-death choices while feeling overwhelmed and scared, yet finds the courage to save those who need help. The story takes the time to build the characters and their backstory, so the tension is wire-taut when Charles meets a man who would rather see his family burn than accept the truth of his actions. This is easily a 5-star read, setting a high bar for Powell's next book to meet.

Overall, this debut novel was intriguing and I loved the ending.
While there could have been less filler content, the author effectively tells a compelling story and the passion in his writing is evident.
I adored Charles and several of the other guys and would love to see a sequel.
Being married to a firefighter for 30 years, I was brought to tears several times. The description of camaraderie was spot on.
Thank you to the publisher/author for the opportunity to read this complimentary advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.