Reviewed by K.J. Simmill for Readers' Favorite

Zoe's own tactics had been used against her with precision execution. Captured, shamed, and manipulated into silence, it seems her only option is to accept death in order to protect those she loves. The people who thought that obviously didn't know her, or her allies, well at all. But her liberation just serves to throw fuel onto an already raging fire. Given the choices that await her, perhaps the hangman's noose would have been preferable. Gavin Shawlens has been recruited to investigate an insurance fraud, but he had not been given all the details. Behind a seemingly innocent front, murderers hide in the shadows, seeking revenge, and that revenge is now within their grasp and they will stop anyone who gets in their way, or threatens to expose them. Unfortunately, Gavin's investigation does just that, and he has already made some powerful enemies, but this time he doesn't have Zoe at his side to protect him. The clock is ticking before they up their game.

Gordon Bickerstaff was born to write this genre. Tears of Fire is the latest instalment in his Lambeth Group thrillers and to date I have read every book in this immersive and tension-filled series, and they just keep getting better and better. They read as stand alone and yet also reward the frequent reader. Twists and turns don't do justice to the complexities of the masterful plot, and it is so involved that revenge, murder, questions, betrayal, and suspense are just the tip of the iceberg. Gordon Bickerstaff achieves the perfect balance between a character and an event driven plot. You'll be hooked from the first page to the last, wondering how things will turn out. This is one hell of an involved plot, and a word to the wise as you navigate through the dangerous tale; remember to breathe. A truly masterful and amazing book, written with flair, style, and an intensity that will leave you wanting more. Tears of Fire is, without question, a five star and highly recommended read.