Dw i'm yn siŵr iawn sut mae G.D. Wright yn cyflawni hyn, ond mae o wedi llwyddo eto i greu nofel sy'n drawiadol, yn aros yn y cof, yn ennyn pob math o deimladau ac emosiynau, yn cyflymu'r galon ac yn gwneud i chi deimlo loes i'r byw. Mae ei nofel gyntaf 'After the Storm' yn dal i fod yn un o'r llyfrau sydd wedi aros efo fi, ac roedd gen i ddisgwyliadau mawr am y nofel hon, a ches i wir mo'n siomi!
Mae'r cyffro yn dechrau gyda dau gwpl yn dod ar draws tân mewn tŷ ar eu ffordd adref ar ôl noson allan, heb feddwl ddwywaith mae Steve yn rhedeg i mewn i'r fflamau fel arwr, ond wrth i'r stori ddatblygu cawn ddod i adnabod Steve a'i deulu yn well, ac mae sawl cyfrinach yn codi o'r gorffennol. Mae'r nofel yn datblygu gan gyflwyno sawl safbwynt gwahanol, gyda chyflymder y dweud yn berffaith ac yn eich gorfodi i ddarllen mwy a mwy. Fel rhiant mae'r nofel yma'n emosiynol, yn dychryn ac yn creu rhyw deimlad annifyr ym mer eich esgyrn wrth i chi ddarllen ymlaen, gyda diweddglo na'i fyth mo'i anghofio. Awdur dawnus, sy'n gwneud i chi gwestiynu pawb a phopeth. Gwych, dw i'n edrych ymlaen at weld beth ddaw nesaf gan yr awdur ar ôl i'r fflamau oeri!

I'm not quite sure how G.D.Wright does this, but he's once again managed to create an impressive story, that stays with you, ignites all kinds of feelings and emotions, makes your heart race and feel pain so deeply. His first novel 'After the Storm' is still seared in my memory, and I had high hopes for this one, I was definitely not disappointed!
The action starts with two couples discovering a house fire on their way home from a night out, without any hesitation Steve runs into the flames like a hero, but as the story develops we get to know Steve and his family, and many secrets are revealed from his past. The novel is written from several different perspectives, with the perfect pace forcing you to read more and more. As a parent, this story is emotional, causes fear, and an uneasy feeling in your gut as you read on, with an ending so full of twists, I doubt I'll ever forget it. A clever author, making you question everything and everyone. Fantastic, I can't wait to see what this author does next once the flames have cooled!

Woah! I’m feeling a bit shell shocked and stunned after finishing reading G D Wright’s new book. I thoroughly enjoyed his first book, After the Storm, last year - and Into the Fire is every bit as good.

Set again in the seaside town of Beachbrook, we meet Steve and his wife, Sarah, and their 2 young children, Gracie and Oscar. One evening, the couple go on a rare night out with their close friends and on the way home, they witness a house fire. Steve rushes in bravely - emerging from the event a local hero.

But Steve has always liked to keep a low profile. No social media, no talk of his past. Now the spotlight is on him, and things begin to spiral painfully, and inevitably.

Where After the Storm felt quite relentless in its pace, Into the Fire has an intense first half, then becomes quite a slow burn (forgive the pun 🤣) during the second half. During this time, the story becomes very character-led - we learn more about DS Willmott and what motivates her, and we learn more about Steve and his past. I grew very sympathetic of them both.

And then, just when I was foolishly thinking to myself “oh, this one isn’t as harrowing as After the Storm!” Then, there came the ending…. I was not expecting what happens at all.

Another extremely accomplished story, fantastic characters and difficult, upsetting topics, amazingly handled.

HOLY SMOKES! What the heck did I just read? This book is every level of crazy in all the right ways! What I loved about this book? Everything it was fantastic!

I want to take this book and scream from the rooftops and make everyone I know read a copy. This book was enthralling, fast-paced and twisty. I read this one into the night, if you want a hair-raising thriller, then look no further.

This book sank its teeth into me and would not let go until I was done. I am faithfully a G.D Wright fan from this day forward!

It was one of the most thrilling books I have ever read! A MASSIVE 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 stars!

Steve has lived his life through a cloud never sharing his past and the secrets he keeps. That is until one day he acts without thinking and all of a sudden he is in the media lime light. The author lets you in to Steve’s history and shows public opinion on this both good and bad

Brilliant book which also has the courage to look at some of the impact on an adult that childhood can have when it’s beyond that that any child should ever have to experience

Into The Fire starts well, but the pace slows through a lot of its 400 plus pages. The ending is dramatic but it takes a long time to get there.

The novel starts strongly. Steve runs into a burning building and saves a baby. He is feted as a hero, but is covering a dark secret. And, in an unrelated incident, this comes out. Now both hero and villain, he goes back through childhood memories to seek some sort of resolution.

This is a decent read and well written throughout, but could have been a lot sharper. The narrative raises some big questions but they are only dealt with in a superficial way as several sub plots are developed.

Just WOW! I heard a lot of good things about G.D Wright's debut so just had to grab a copy of his new one and boy, Into the Fire does not disappoint. Such a brilliant, suspenseful read. 5 Stars

Settle in and hold on tight - Into the Fire is an extraordinary rollercoaster of a book that will keep you gripped from start to finish.

I absolutely loved G.D. Wright's first novel, After the Fire, so was very much looking forward to reading Into the Fire and goodness - it was everything and so much more. Another remarkable read, with such powerful and captivating writing that hooks you from the start and has left a lasting impression.

The main character is Steve, to us an ordinary man who unexpectedly becomes a hero in his community. He never saw himself as a hero, he simply did what he thought anyone else would have done if faced with the same situation. We learn so much about Steve, his family, his job, his friends, his life. We find out he has a secret past but we do not find out what it is at the start and even his family are unaware of the truths that he keeps hidden.

And then we learn about something hugely tragic that happened and we find out about what happened in Steve's past. The community completely change their mind about Steve and turn on him in the worse possible ways. But is it true? Steve's world is crumbling all around him, leaving him struggling to hold on to the pieces of his life that remain. Everything he loved and knew is just slipping away, leaving behind an empty shell of what his life once was and who he once was. Steve always knew the truth might surface one day, yet he did everything within his grasp to keep it hidden, safeguarding his secret at all costs - because he knew what would happen once the truth was out.

The weight of what happened to Steve always casted an enormous shadow over his life, was included in every choice and decision that he had to make. Now, everything he tried so hard to bury is resurfacing, threatening to tear his entire world apart

And then, the twist hit me like a thunderbolt. It was completely unexpected, utterly staggering. I never saw it coming at all - I just totally stopped and stared at the page, for quite some time. Steve's life when he was younger was so very, very tough, and what happened to him was just devastating and unimaginable - an ordeal so harrowing and life changing.

This book is so intense, packed full of tension and emotion and is extremely gripping. Featuring a shocking twist that stayed with me long after I read the final page. I had no idea that the twist was coming. It has taken me a while to write my review because I could not stop thinking about the storyline.

This book is different to the first book but is another exceptional read which will have you hooked from the start. I cannot wait to read G. D. Wright's third book! He is definitely one of my go to crime and thriller writers.

Thank you very much Avon Books UK and NetGalley for my advanced copy. This review is based on a NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.

Steve is a hero.
Steve is a murderer.
Steve, his wife and friends,are walking home from a night out when he smells smoke. He has a choice to make, fight or flight? He chooses fight and runs into the house he rescues a baby but unfortunately not the parents. The problem is Steve has a past and now it's beginning to catch up with him.
Just when you think you know the direction this is going, it changes tack and the ending well what a shocker!!
Many thanks to the publishers for inviting me to read read this and will be looking for more from G.D. Wright.

This is a brilliantly paced book which I really enjoyed.

I really thought I knew where this book was going and how it was going to end. It's fair to say I was completely blindsided!! Such a twist and not one I saw coming!

While returning home, Steve, his wife, and their close friends Phil and Emma come across a house fire. There might be people inside. Fight or flight? Steve chooses fight and goes into the fire. He makes a dramatic escape with a young baby. Without Steve, the baby wouldn't have survived. But his heroic actions have consequences. Steve has always tried to stay below the radar because he has a secret. A secret which is about to be thrust into the spotlight. But Steve's secret goes back further than the murder he is accused of. It goes right back to his childhood.

The consequences of his decision to go into the fire are far-reaching and devastating for more than one family.

Into the Fire started at a good pace but then slowed down so much I almost lost interest but by the time Steve returned from his journey up north the pace sped up again. The revelations were traumatic and the suspense became unbearable and then we were taken down a totally unexpected and shocking path. What a journey!

Halfway through reading this and you think, yes can see how this pans out. Wrong! The final part of the book is a classic page turner and a shocker. The author does not hold back and do be aware some of the subject matter can be upsetting. However, well written fiction like this gets the reader thinking and in the main character Steve, one of the best fictional characters this reader has come across in awhile.

Such a great book. Thank you for letting me read it in advance. I can't wait to see what else this author has to offer.

🔥Into the fire - G. D. Wright 🔥

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Release date - 5th June 2025

What a page turner this one is!!

Blurb - HE RUNS INTO THE FLAMES A HERO.

Steve thought he had left his troubled past behind. Living a quiet life with his wife and children, everything changes the night he rescues a baby from a burning house, becoming an unexpected national hero.

HE EMERGES FROM THE ASHES A SUSPECT.

But as the spotlight shines brighter, so does the scrutiny, and a shocking accusation is made – that Steve is the man responsible for an unsolved murder in Beachbrook years prior.

BUT WHICH ONE IS HE REALLY?

As his world unravels, public opinion is firmly divided. Steve pleads his innocence, but DS Sue Willmott is determined to get to the bottom of what really happened all those years ago.

After all, even heroes hide secrets of their own.

My thoughts 💭- firstly thankyou to @netgalley for the opportunity of a ARC of this one. I absolutely LOVED! I couldn’t out it down.

From the off I was hooked and just knew something was coming however I wasn’t sure what, I was on the edge of my seat and there were twists I never saw coming.

Multiple points of view kept me engaged and eager to read on. Definitely recommend this one when it’s released.

@gdwrightwrites

#bookreview #intothefire #gdwright #booklover #thriller #netgalley #ARC #bookblogger

This is a book that everyone will be talking about. I loved After the Storm, but Into the Fire is even better. The author is adept at leading the reader and then blindsiding with the totally unexpected. II makes you challenge your own beliefs and perceptions and it’s very subtle in the way it’s done. It’s a cracking well paced plot. Steve is returning from a night out with his wife and another couple when a fir is spotted. Steve to the rescue and in the aftermath, he’s a hero. But there’s a huge downside. He’s always kept a low profile and away from the media and now he’s under the spotlight. It becomes clear that all is not as it seems as the events are fully investigated. Great lead with DS Wilmott who appeared in the last book and whose character and background are further developed. I’m easily invested in these characters and as the tale unfolds it’s clear that childhood events have reverberated to the present. Loved this; twisty and I was left wanting more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for my copy of Into The Fire by G D Wright.
I finished this book last night and I can’t stop replaying it in my mind. I want to say I enjoyed it but that’s feels wrong.
I couldn’t put it down, I was glued to the pages, and then the finish. WOW just WOW I feel bereft, unsettled. What a read.
Don’t miss this one.
It is out on 5th June 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the author’s second book and, having read his debut book, I was wondering how he was going to follow it - it was so thought provoking and engaging, a fantastic novel. However, I needn’t have worried as this second book was every bit as thought provoking and engaging.
I won’t précis the novel, if you’re reading this, you’ll already have read the blurb on the book written by better writers than me.

Suffice to say that one altruistic action by the lead character, leads to completely disruption of his life as he knows it.

Half way through the book I thought I had sussed out what had happened but although I wasn’t far wrong, I wasn’t right either. I just kept page turning with this one and I look forward to G.D. Wright’s next book.

A very easy five stars from me!

I was fortunate to be given this Arc but I requested it by accident as I thought it was another author. Best mistake I’ve made in ages. The author and book was an absolute gem. Brilliant read that kept me engaged and loved it so much have already recommended it to friends.

Holy moly.

Gary writes in the most understated way, but this book is so incredibly impactful and moving. It's a perfect blend of police procedural and psychological thriller.

There is a whole range of emotions you will 100% end up feeling alongside the characters, the elation, the sorrow, the pain. Ugh.

The story just steadily works it's way along revealing itself and the back stories and unfurling the past, which is wholly compelling in itself but then BAM. A twist hits that just blew me out of the water and made me go, oh hell, I missed the hints and the fact that was coming.

🫣😫

An explosive second novel from @gdwrightwrites which is the perfect mix of pyschological thriller and police procedural which kept me hooked to every page. The more you uncover of Steve’s story the more you are drawn into the world of blurring the lines between hero and villain. A twisty thriller which is perfect for all readers. After loving After the Storm I knew I was in for a treat!

This book broke my heart in so many different ways and had me in tears to begin with. This is emotionally massive, generating so many different feelings. For me, I could not put this down and needed to find out where it ended up!

Thank you to the Publisher, NetGalley and of course the most incredible soul Mr G. D. Wright for giving me the opportunity to review an advanced reader copy of 'Into the Fire' in return of an honest review. All opinions in this review are my own.

HOLY SMOKES! I have been waiting for this for what feels like a lifetime. I first read G. D. Wrights debut novel 'After The Storm' last year and that blew me away. 'Into the Fire' has been long craved since I came across G. D. Wright as an author and I can 100% tell you that 'Into The Fire' does NOT disappoint.
I love a good thriller, but my goodness this book made me feel like I was having another cardiac episode. This is something I absolutely need in a book. I need to feel my heart race and feel that suspense. Into the Fire delivered on that front and is yet another brilliant book by a literary magician. I feel like I could now call Gary a friend after numerous exchanges on Instagram and honestly I now have an Auto-Buy Author yet again to add to my list!

The beginning of the book had me rendered speechless and gasping for breath and the middle was a little of a slow burn however it was nice as you learn a lot about some of the characters and even better is a couple of them have been bought over from G. D. Wrights debut novel 'After the Storm' however as the storyline progress the events take a drastic turn and then just as you think you're able to cool off you are hit with yet another twist. I did not expect the ending at all, I thought it was going to end very differently and when I tell you I was GOBSMACKED at the end of the book I honestly couldn't hold it in anymore. I feel I need an IV Transfusion of reading material from this man because I need more and I need it now!

The characters are a mixture of people from all walks of life, 'Into the Fire' wraps itself around your heartstrings and often gives them a tug whilst also feeling as though you are on the edge of your seat waiting for what is to come next. I really enjoyed this book and I feel I am now one of Gary's biggest fans lol.

In all honesty, you NEED to read this book however I do advise that the topics raised throughout this book could be traumatic and triggering to some so please put your mental health first and check out the trigger warnings before reading. I know trigger warnings are controversial but even I had to take a breather at points in this book. I won't list the trigger warnings based on the fact this book is yet to be published and the contents could be slightly adjusted between the time I have written this review and the date Into the Fire gets published.

Well what a book this was. This is the second I’ve read by this author and I absolutely love their style of writing and the tension the book builds up till the unexpected ending . I loved the characters and how both couples coped with their harrowing early life . The ending was totally unexpected with a totally shocking moment . I cannot rate this author highly enough and I’d definitely recommend this book . I can’t wait for the next . Five stars from me

Beachbrook seems such a nice place to live, if you forget about that one murder some years ago.
Steve, a local, becomes a hero when walking home from a night out he runs into a burning house and rescues a baby, leapin from the first floor in an act of complete heroism, something outstanding for a boy from his background.
All is great until Steve suddenly stands accused of that murder he town tries to forget and everything takes a seriously dark turn from that point, with Steve and his family trapped in their home by journalists and the police getting ever closer to the truth.
An absolutely spectacular read!

Into the Fire by G. D. Wright is a gripping and emotionally charged thriller that explores the weight of the past and how quickly life can unravel when long-buried secrets resurface. Set in the seaside town of Beachbrook, the story follows Steve, a devoted husband and father who becomes an unexpected hero after rescuing a baby from a burning house. But as his act of bravery propels him into the public eye, scrutiny follows—and with it, an accusation that could destroy everything he holds dear.

Steve has worked hard to build a quiet, stable life with his wife, Sarah, and their two children, Gracie and Oscar. He avoids social media, keeps his past hidden, and has never sought attention. But when he steps into the flames and emerges a hero, he suddenly finds himself at the centre of an investigation. DS Willmott is assigned to look into the claim that Steve is connected to an unsolved murder from years ago, and as she digs deeper, the cracks in Steve’s carefully constructed life begin to show.

The book has a striking balance between fast-paced action and slow-burning tension. The first half is intense and gripping, while the second half shifts focus to the psychological and emotional toll of Steve’s predicament. As his world collapses, we see his internal struggle—desperation, fear, and the lengths he will go to to protect his family. Meanwhile, DS Willmott is given her depth and complexity, making her a compelling investigator with motives beyond just solving a case.

Wright’s writing is immersive, drawing the reader into Beachbrook’s atmosphere while steadily building tension. The exploration of heroism, guilt, and the inescapable pull of the past adds layers to the story, making it more than just a thriller—it’s also a study of character, morality, and the fragility of reputation.

Into the Fire is a deeply engrossing read that keeps you questioning everything until the final pages. It’s a book about secrets, redemption, and how quickly life can turn when the truth comes knocking.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Another gripping read by G.D.Wright, following on from his debut novel, After The Storm. It’s a difficult book to read at times, partly from some of the subject matter, but also because it brings emotions to the surface with some of the intensity of the story.

The story is told from different points of view; A coffee shop owner who goes from zero to hero overnight, after rescuing a child from a house fire; the police officer who is investigating the fire, a widow juggling work and caring for her young daughter; : a grieving father who is still trying to make sense of his child’s death some twenty years later. And a reporter keen to get a different angle on this latest big news story.

Really well written, and gripped me from the start, with storylines that felt so real. It’s quite scary when you see how social media spreads news, rumours and opinions so quickly and how it affects people’s lives so dramatically. I definitely didn’t see the ending coming or the twists to a couple of the relationships. This was a book that once I started reading, I had to finish to see how it could possibly end. The only downside for me, was it felt as though it slightly lost momentum around the middle, but did pick up very well after that.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Wow! What a story! I really liked the debut book by this author After the Storm and this one is even better. Set in the same coastal town and with a couple of references to the previous story , it could still be a standalone novel. A young father runs into a burning building and is a hero. The town love him and then his past begins to surface.
The characters are realistic, the developing narrative is believable. The whole basis of the story is family and how we will protect them. Some friends are family too and we always believe the best in them. The second half of the book really ramped up the pressure and the last few chapters are dynamite! Some heart in the mouth moments, some gasps. What a cracking book. I don’t know how GDWright can follow these two books but I cannot wait!

Into the Fire by G. D. Wright is a gripping crime drama with a lot of emotional weight, and what really struck me was how much it made me think about the idea of perception and how quickly someone can go from being a hero to a suspect.

The story follows Steve, an ordinary guy who becomes famous after saving a baby from a house fire. But instead of being celebrated, his past comes back to haunt him, and suddenly, he’s accused of a crime from years ago. The way Wright unravels this mystery is brilliant there are twists I didn’t see coming, and the emotional depth of the characters really stood out. Even the side characters felt real and layered, which made the stakes feel even higher.

What I loved most was the way the book balanced tension and emotion. The first half is fast-paced and full of suspense, but the second half slows down as the focus shifts more to the characters internal struggles. While it loses a bit of momentum, the story remains compelling, and the character development keeps it engaging.
If you’re a fan crime dramas that are just as much about the people as they are about the mystery, Into the Fire is absolutely worth a read.

🔥 GD Wright has done it again! After being completely hooked by his debut, After The Storm, which I devoured in 24 hours, I was beyond excited to see Into the Fire available for request on NetGalley. I jumped at the chance and was thrilled to be granted permission as an ARC reader!

From the very first page, I was completely engrossed. This is one of those books where you tell yourself, just one more chapter, and suddenly you’ve read half the book in one sitting. The pacing is relentless, with tension simmering in every chapter, and the deeper I got into the story, the harder it became to put down.

Steve is such a compelling and well-drawn character. What struck me most was how real he felt—he’s just an ordinary man trying to be a good husband and father, someone you could easily know in real life. His actions, his emotions, and the weight of his past all felt so authentic that I found myself fully invested in his journey. I could feel his desperation, his fear, and his determination as his world started to crumble around him. It was impossible not to root for him, even as the questions about his past began to surface.

The storytelling is masterful. GD Wright knows exactly how to layer the tension, feeding just enough details to keep you constantly on edge. At times, I felt my heart racing, desperate to know what would happen next. There’s a real emotional depth to this book that elevates it beyond a standard thriller—it’s not just about the twists (though they are brilliant!), but about the people at the heart of the story.

And then, that moment. The moment where my mind just screamed. I did not see it coming. The most heartbreaking lines of the story hit me so hard that I had to read them again just to fully absorb what was happening. It was utterly devastating, and the sheer impact of it left me reeling. Wright’s writing is indescribable—just when you think a thriller can’t possibly break your heart more, he delivers a scene so intense, so horrifying, that it takes your breath away.

By the time I reached the final chapters, I was completely on edge. The intensity, the emotions, and the sheer brilliance of the storytelling left me in awe. Wright has an incredible talent for making you feel every moment, and I know this book will stay with me for a long time.

With Into the Fire, GD Wright cements himself as a must-read author in the thriller genre. He’s now firmly on my will read anything list, and I cannot wait to see what he writes next. If you love gripping, character-driven thrillers that keep you guessing until the very end, this one is an absolute must-read! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Steve Minchin is just a normal husband, father and local business owner until the night he rushes into a burning house and leaps from an upstairs window with a child clutched to his chest, flames billowing behind him. Immediately propelled to hero status in the public eye, until his past catches up with him. The change is fast, furious and relentless. Everyone has an opinion and the press have a field day.

Emotionally charged and compelling, this novel was the perfect mix of domestic drama, crime and police procedural with great characters, a well plotted storyline and an ending that shocked. The clues were there, I missed them. 4.5 stars rounded up.

Due for publication June '25 - My thanks to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the early review copy, all opinions expressed are my own.

I really enjoyed the first book in the Beachbrook series, so I was looking forward to the next instalment and it didn’t disappoint.

Steve runs a successful coffee shop on the seafront and life is good for him and his family. Steve and his wife, Sarah, go out for an evening with their best friends, Phil and Emma. Walking home, they notice a house on fire; Steve spots that one of the windows is obviously a child’s bedroom so, without even stopping to think, he runs into the burning building and rescues the baby.

Steve quite rightly becomes a local hero. Everyone wants to shake his hand, pat him on the back, and thank him on behalf of the baby’s family. He doesn’t really want all this attention, especially when he’s pulled over by the police and has a DNA sample taken back at the station. The secrets then start to come out, and not just for Steve.

Lots of unexpected twists and turns kept me hooked, an absolutely brilliant read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.

Good characters with some excellent writing covering some tough topics! Good pace although a bit slow in the middle. Thank you for allowing me to read this before release

Into the Fire is the second book from G D Wright and it builds on the promise of the debut one delivering an excellent thriller which kept producing twists and turns all the way through right until the very end.

A very enjoyable read.

This is a brilliant book! A very sobering read about people not being who they say they are and how secrets never stayed buried forever and the past always catches you! Loved it !

The story begins with the aftermath of a catastrophic fire, one of the worst that the attending officers had seen in their career. But, before we learn the details, we go back in time to three weeks earlier. From here, the story follows Steve and his family. When Steve performs a heroic act that throws him into the limelight, it becomes very clear that the public eye is the last place he wants to be. The story is told from multiple POV. Our main two POV are from Steve as he navigates the ever changing situation, and DS Willmott who is investigating the house fire and digging deeper into those involved. As events unfold, the question you will be asking yourself is; does a heroic act make up for the sins of the past?

DS Willmott is such a fantastic character. If you were ever in a situation where you had to rely on the police, she’s certainly the sort of detective you would want in your corner. Not only is she incredible at her job, she is also compassionate, supportive, and will go above and beyond for you, and her relationship with Kevin in this story is testament to that. I am so glad that this series revolves around her, even though she isn’t necessarily the main character of the books.

The authors ability to make you feel every single emotion is so impressive, and this book is an absolute rollercoaster. I think I experienced every emotion possible while reading this story! I also love the way that every angle is explored, and it makes you see things from everyone’s perspective, which then makes you question how you would feel in similar circumstances.

I had so many theories along the way, and one that I was so sure was going to happen, but that’s not the direction this story took. The way it came together really threw me, even now I just can’t believe it went the way it did, but it was fantastic. You certainly continue thinking about it way after you’ve finished the book. Although at times it is incredibly hard to read, this book is also impossible to put down from beginning to end. I would strongly recommend checking the trigger warnings before reading though.

After The Storm was one of my favourite books of 2024, so Into The Fire was one of my most anticipated books of 2025. I always knew that I would love this book, and it certainly didn’t let me down. G.D. Wright is on track to becoming one of my favourite authors, and I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next!

This review isn't going to be as long as others because it's hard to fully review it without spoilers and you need to go into this blind I think.

How do you follow up one of the best books ever written? By writing another "best book ever written", of course.

GD Wright's previous book, After the Storm, had me in absolute floods of tears and I wasn't sure I could cope with another of his heart-breaking stories.

This wasn't as haunting as After the Storm...well, no, that's not exactly true. It's haunting but in a different way. It's more a psychological haunting than physical in my opinion.

Wright knows how to pull at the heartstrings, to break hearts as well as warm them.

Yes there's a plot, of course there is and it's a cracker. But for me, this is all about the characters. Wright's ability to create very real and flawed characters, fully of depth and humanity, sadness, anger, resentment, fear, but also love and hope, is second to none.

Steve is one of the best characters I've read. Not always a goodie but not always a baddie, he's a hero but is he also a villain or a victim? He's so layered with such depth, and regardless of what he may or may not have done, you are on his side throughout.

I read it in one sitting, keeping me awake late at night as I just couldn't bear to put it down before I'd finished it all.

It asks a number of moral questions: does one deed overtake another? If you save a life, does that absolve you of when you took a life? Can a villain ever become a hero?

What I love about this book, and the previous one, is that whilst they're independent stories and can be read as standalone, there is the running character of DS Willmott, which shows a sense of community and I'm looking forward to the next installment.

It does touch on a number of very difficult topics, such as death, murder, grief, injury, abuse, child loss, relationship problems, drugs, drink etc.

It's a book of two halves. The first focusses more on the physical - the fire, the lives saved and lost - and the second more of the psychological, which gives us a good balance. We get sucked in to this harrowing story with a gut punch, and then we're on this journey with the characters and we start to ask questions about ourselves, what would we do.

All is not as it seems when you live by the coast….

Steve is a happily married man with two young children living in the quiet coastal town of Beachbrook. when overnight he becomes a hero running
into a burning house looking for survivors…. after discovering a young baby
in his cot and the flames starting to creep under the bedroom door he has
no choice but to smash the window and jump out the window with the baby.
He makes an attempt at going back in the house to try and find the parents
or other people but the flames are too intense and he has to watch the house succumb to the fire.

When the knowledge of a hero reaches the tv crews, they turn up on his doorstep in their crowds wanting an interview but Steve is reluctant to oblige - BUT WHY??
When the harassment gets too much Steve makes a error of judgement which could cost him everything but only time will tell…

Question is -
Will his past return to haunt him ?
Will he agree to a tv/radio interview after all or not?

Into the Fire by G.D. Wright is a gripping and fast-paced novel that seamlessly blends suspense, action, and emotional depth. The story pulls readers into a world filled with tension and high stakes, where characters are tested in both body and spirit. Wright’s writing is sharp and immersive, creating vivid scenes and compelling dialogue that keep the pages turning. While the plot delivers plenty of twists and intense moments, it’s the development of the characters and their inner struggles that give the story heart. A solid read for fans of thrillers and action-driven narratives.

Whilst I found the first half of this book a little more on the slow side, the second half more than made up for it!
From the outset we find out that Steve is hiding something dark from his past, we don't know what, but we know that whatever it is, he's fought hard to keep these secrets buried.
Steve is suddenly thrust under the spotlight however, when, on his way home from a drunken night with his friends, they come across a house on fire and Steve doesn't hesitate before running into the house to save 9-month-old baby Jack.
This act of heroism doesn't go unnoticed, and as Steve struggles with his newfound "celebrity", the past is quickly catching up on him.

The detail from a police procedural PoV was well-written and clear, easy to follow.
Told from the perspectives of the 5 key players could have made things messy & complicated, but it helped the story move and unravel perfectly.
Whilst I did see the big twist at the end coming, it didn't make it any less shocking.
I think the ending was perfect for this story.

Thank you to Avon Books for the ARC.

TW: child abuse

On the way home from a night out with friends, Steve smells smoke and rushes towards a burning house, Saving a baby he is hailed a hero by everyone but he only feels guilty for those he didn't rescue. But after a DNA test is completed he soon becomes the villain of the town when a past crime is uncovered. Taking a step back into his past helps Steve come to turns with the life he's led.
Having gone through the emotional wringer with G.D Wright's debut novel, I had high hopes for this 2nd book. It doesn't disappoint in any shape or form. It starts strongly and the pace continues relentlessly.
It's a fast paced thriller with a killer punch.

Steve is on a night out with friends when they come across a house fire and he runs in to help and saves a small baby but unfortunately the parents die, Steve feels guilty he did not get the parents out but the whole community calls him a hero until he has to give a DNA sample which alerts the police of a cold case of a murder and now the town turns on him.
Steve has decided to tell the truth of what happened when he was a teenager, which takes the story to his past.
A great emotional story.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC and I give my honest review

Steve lives a quiet life. He is not on social media, and he never talks about his past. But that all changed when he runs into a burning building and rescues a baby boy. Sadly, he couldn’t get to his parents in time. Which is always on his mind.
Steve is held a hero in the eyes of people and the media. But when the Police check his DNA, Secrets that has laid buried since his childhood come to life. Even from his wife that has always stayed by his side. When he was teenager, he killed a girl called Charlotte and circumstances got it off from being sent down. But Charlotte’s father Kevin has never forgotten his daughter and the person who killed her. And now its out in the open he wants revenge.
Wow I was blown away from the author’s debut novel After the storm and I thought his writing couldn’t get any better. But G. D. Wright has done it again with his second novel ‘Into the fire’.
This author is a great storyteller and knows how to stir one’s emotions. This is a story is about right a wrong. Can someone do something to redeem themselves of something that they wrong years previously. That is the moral question. This is such an emotional and thought provoking read and boy I didn’t see that ending coming. This is a fantastic read. 5 stars from me,

Thank you to netgalley, the publisher and author for an early read of this gripping crime drama. I'd read and enjoyed G.D. Wright's first novel (After the Storm) and he's once again given us an emotional rollercoaster of a book. Good characters, a cracking plot with twists to keep you hooked and an ending that shocks..what more can you ask for? I'm more than happy to recommend.

This is an action-packed thriller that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

A fantastic plot with amazing pace.

Having read "After the Storm" last year I was intrigued to see if G. D. Wright could top that story.
To start with I wasn't sure as it was a slow starter but boy did it make up for it. I did not see the ending coming AT ALL.
Another really great read which would be a perfect holiday or rainy day story.
Looking forward to seeing what the author comes up with next.

Into the Fire is set in a seaside town and the story revolves around Steve, his wife Sarah, and their two children. On a night out they witness a fire and Steve rushes in. He becomes a local hero. The story is very character driven. It's fast-paced (but slows in the middle) and has plenty of twists. Will Steve's past catch up to him? You'll have to read it to find out, and you won't be disappointed. This book is hard to put down once you start reading.

GD Wright has done it again, with his second novel. What a punch of a book this is!

I love how this book evokes strong emotions and keeps you hooked, but in a totally different way to After the Storm.

When Steve goes into a fire and comes out a hero, he struggles to come to terms with this new title and all the attention that comes with it, but the tides quickly turn when he comes out a suspect...

G.D Wright is the master of getting to the heart of a matter in a really human way, with so much raw emotion, I felt it all as I read along and this book will also stay with me. What a triumph of a book, that isn't straight forward nor predictable.

I'm excited to see where book 3 goes.

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.

What started as a fast paced book to start, slowed in the middle and then ramped up again towards the end. Steve is trying to stay hidden and his past firmly in the past, while dealing with being thrust in the public eye as the local hero. I felt all of the emotions while he was in the house amongst the inferno and the heartbreak when he met Louise's parents, his frustration while trying to deal with the camera lenses and locals wanting to give him a back slap, all while trying to keep his head above water, his family safe and his troubled past buried.
Excellent writing and brilliant story telling.

Stunning does not come close to describing this read!
Brilliantly written, all human emotion is here.
This is a long book at over 400 pages but it does not feel like it. The pacing is perfect flipping between different points of view.
From the first page, you are invested in the characters.
Acclaimed and applauded for his heroic saving of a baby from a house fire, Steve goes from hero to zero in a matter of chapters. You, the reader, know something is wrong, but you can't work it out or understand why Steve is so reticent to accept his hero status.
As the plot unfolds you are left as stunned as are the now divided members of the small knit community where the book is set.
The reasons are surprising, though understandable, but absolutely nothing prepared me for the twist at the end.
Nature over nurture? You decide.
I can't recommend this enough. A truly excellent read.

If you have come here expecting to read about a straightforward police procedural, then you will be leaving disappointed. There are elements of police investigation in this book, without question. What makes this book, and its predecessor, so special, is that they are about far more than just the investigative elements of the story, and although the series, if you want to call it that, has been linked by Detective Sergeant Sue Willmott, this is not really just her story. She is central to what comes to pass, and does lead the action from a police point of view. But this is, really and truthfully, an emotional story of two fathers, Steve and Kevin, whose fates are indelibly linked, although only one knows the truth about why, at least in the beginning.

I really like that emotional angle to this book. Steve is a hero, at least in the eyes of a nation, especially those in his home town of Beachbrook. After running into a house fire and saving the life of a young baby, how could he be anything else. But Steve has a secret, and his new found fame does not sit well with him. He has always shunned social media, preferring to keep a low profile, content with his family and his small business on the seafront. But fate has other ideas, and this is where we meet Kevin. Also a father, Kevin has suffered a devastating loss that is set to become national news once again. I really liked the way in which the author uses alternating points of view, largely from Steve, Kevin and Sue, to tell the story and to slowly establish the ways in which the three of them are linked. There are alternative points of view, from Steve's wife, Sarah, and TV Journalist, Fiona, who both have very key roles to play in what comes to pass, but the three main perspectives are where the heart of the story, and the lion's share of the emotion, lie.

GD Wright has played it perfectly with this book, taking a look into the reasons behind what certain events occur, not as a means to excuse what happens, but more to provoke some internal debate about how long a person should be judged on past mistakes, and whether certain actions can ever be forgiven. Certainly by having both Steve and Kevin's points of view you have two polar standpoints on the situation at hand, and I can't say that I could choose one to sympathise with more than the other. Exactly what occurred in Steve's past is not immediately revealed, which made me imagine possibly the worst, but the more I got to know him, the harder I found it to believe that what happened was due to malicious intent. But then, from Kevin's point of view, the heartwrenching impact of what happened, the way in which it has changed his whole life, is hard to ignore and the author really does pull at all the heartstrings with this story, showcasing brilliantly a father's eternal love for their child.

I feel as thought the pace and style of this book was perfect for the subject in hand, separating Steve's heroism from the mistakes of his past and his slow journey to hopeful redemption. It is not always an easy story to read, and there are some subject matters referenced which will be harder for some people to read, including child abuse and exploitation. It is never gratuitous or graphic in detail, but it still hits home, and leads to perhaps the only scene in the book where I was really left questioning if the end was justified. I understand it, and the emotion behind what happens is in keeping with the tension that had built up within the preceding pages, and the intensity of anger that the characters experience for very good reason. I'm just not sure that, whatever the circumstances, I could condone it.

If you have read and loved After The Storm you will definitely want to read this. It will have you asking all kinds of moral questions, about justice, redemption and even the eternal nature versus nurture debate. With brilliantly drawn characters, a deep emotional core, and wonderfully immersive writing, it's a book I would heartily recommend. I will be thinking about Steve and Kevin for some time to come.

Steve has a secret which he has lived with for years and still has nightmares. He has built up a life with his wife and two children and then he rushes into a burning house and saves a baby.
He is a hero and everyone wants to meet him and tell him but his secret is now going to be revealed and he will no longer be the hero. In fact he is a murderer.

Steve lives in Beachbrook with his wife and two young children. On a night out with their best friends, Phil and Emma, Steve becomes an unlikely hero.

Slowly, Steve’s world starts to crumble and he turns from hero to villain.

With DS Sue Wilmott determined to get to the bottom of a cold case, things take a shocking turn.

My goodness, this story does pack a punch. I felt ill at times & my heart felt as though it was going to pound out of my chest.

The author has written convincing characters for the story, I believed in them all.

The story is told from different points of view and I feel that this added to the overall story. I could feel the pain, worry and exhaustion from each character.

An outstanding second book from the author, I can’t wait to see what will come next.

This book deserves every one of the 5 stars that I've given it and more. It was an incredibly gripping and moving story.

Such strong emotions were displayed within the pages, first for the fire tragedy then for the other story that evolved. I was desperate to know the full story, the hidden tale.

I absolutely loved Wright's first book and was very excited to read his second. I'll definitely be recommending this to plenty of others just like I did with his first.

My second G.D. Wright novel and most definitely not my last. Initially a slow burn (no pun intended) the pace builds to such a crescendo, you will want to re-read the last few chapters more than once. The depth of characters and location is outstanding, with every person and place coming alive off the page.

The story is ingenious, complex, but entirely believable. Chapters switching and following parallel paths keeps you fully engaged as each viewpoint follows the story progression.

Absolutely loved it… now Mr Wright, get better soon and write some more!

My thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK.

Just finished Into the Fire by G.D. Wright and I honestly can’t stop thinking about it. After the Storm was one of my favourite reads of 2024 so I was really looking forward to this one. Set again in Beachbrook, it starts with a house fire, a heroic rescue, and a man suddenly hailed as a national hero—but Steve has a past and his secrets are starting to unravel.

DS Sue Willmot is back and as sharp as ever, digging into the case with her usual quiet tenacity. The story peels back the layers slowly, making you question who you can trust and whether anyone is really telling the whole truth.

What I loved most was the way it asks the big, uncomfortable societal questions: What makes someone a hero? And how far back can you go to cancel that out?

The character work is brilliant—Wright has a way of making you trust someone and doubt them all at once. I flew through it, completely hooked, and that final twist? Brutal, and heartbreaking.

One of the most satisfying, tense reads I’ve picked up in a long time. A massive round of applause for
@gdwrightwrites - Into the Fire is out on 5th June! Go preorder!!

Thank you to @avonbooksuk and @netgalley for the ARC.

The second novel by G D Wright again featuring DS Sue Willm0tt . After a local man rescues a child from a house fire he becomes the centre of attention both locally and nationally and under scrutiny events from his past life return to haunt him. As more is revealed his life starts to fall apart and he is forced to confront his demons. . The narrative contains upsetting events without going into graphic detail but are credible when remembering media stories of recent years. One small niggle is the constant use of DS Wilmotts rank which made it slightly difficult to for me to relate to her as a person. Apart from that this is an enjoyable book Fromm an author who continues.to show promise.

Into the Fire by G.D Wright is a story about a men who becomes a hero after saving a baby. Still, the past hunts him and threatens to ruin everything he built. Loved the way the story was written and the pace was good too.

This is a very emotional read, filled with raw emotion and brilliant characterisation. I really felt for Steve, from hero to zero in a split time frame. The writing is very accomplished as the reader is sucked into the minds of the characters. This is a brilliant character driven novel, filled with suspense and tension and it was hard to put it down. Although the subject is a difficult one, it is handled with great sensitivity by the author. One of the best reads of 2025 so far and one which I highly recommend to lovers of thrillers. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

i wasnt prepared to be so heart hooked line and sinker-ed by this book. but i was. and more beside that too. wow. just wow. if you could image me at the end just sat there still, going it all over, thinking it through then do just that. then be prepared to be the same place as i was when you too have read it. wow stunning Wright, just stunning. i dont know where you came from or where you have been but thank you for joining the author world and giving us your beautiful talented words.
this book had a plot. then it had a bigger plot. then it had a plot you never saw coming. oh gosh it was so good.
the characters. oh my! they weren't ok. i wasn't ok. just what was going on here. haha. i sound silly. i know i do. but this book was just too good, too much on my little emotional book heart that didn't think this was what it was going in. but boy am i glad that words people share with us truly can create these stories, these feelings, and these thinkers.
the characters in this book is what makes it. they are raw. yes they might be flawed or not be all whiter than white. but ask yourself what others would judge you for. ask yourself what goes on in families that we never know of or what people go through just within their own minds.
this book feel into my lap by chance. and im so glad it did. bring on more. many many more.

First I want to thank Avon Books UK and Netgalley for this e-ARC.

I loved this book! I already want to read this again! Instantly will be put into my reread list and this was amazing!

I’ve heard good things about this authors first book (I do own it and haven’t got it yet). So when I saw this on netgalley I knew I had to request it!

I really thought I saw where this book was going but I was so wrong. I have no words, what a ride this book was and now I am officially a fan!

The storytelling, the plot just everything about this was perfect.

1000000% would recommend this book!

Into the Fire has a great concept - does carrying out a heroic act absolve you for your past crimes?

Steve runs into a burning building to save a child, and is subsequently hailed as a local hero. But a chance DNA test means that Steve's past comes back to haunt him, as his role in a historic major crime is uncovered. What will Steve's family and friends think, is he still a hero?

Into the Fire is a really interesting read, with lots of moral questions for the reader as we follow Steve's train of thought through the investigation process.

Into The Fire is the second book I’ve read by this author. The first being After The Storm which I loved.
Steve and his wife Sarah have two young children together. On a rare night out with best friends they find themselves walking home, drunk and finding a house ablaze. Steve runs in without a second thought and manages to save a baby. He is a local hero but for someone that stays out of the limelight this is in someways hell for Steve. Steve doesn’t do the past or social media but now he’s a hero he’s firmly in the spotlight and his whole world crumbles around him as the secret he’s been keeping has been found out, he must speak the truth but what will become of his family?
This was a good read, the first half was very fast with a lot happening, the second half was slower and maybe could have been a little sharper. The characters were likeable (until the end!!!). The plot line was different and interesting. The ending was like nothing I’ve read before. I thought the first book I read was very harrowing in parts and this one was a lot lighter but nooooo it’s not at all by the end.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

HE RUNS INTO THE FLAMES A HERO.
HE EMERGES FROM THE ASHES A SUSPECT.
BUT WHICH ONE IS HE REALLY?

Without a shadow of a doubt this is hands down one of my TOP reads of the year so far! What a rollercoaster ride of a book!

There are so many things that I loved about this one. It had BEAUTIFUL writing, it was TENSE, it had ACTION, it was GRIPPING, and it was EMOTIONAL!

The story is told from a multi-POV and at no point did I find it hard to follow. I thought the story flowed really well, and although it took me just under a week to read, I couldn’t put it down!

Another part of the book I loved were the interview scenes about Steve’s past. It was heartbreaking reading about what happened, and actually brought a few tears to my eyes 😭💔 It takes a lot for a book to move me, but this one did just that🥺

There was a twist towards the end that I didn’t see coming either, it left me shocked! 😳 On the last few pages of the book, you’re expecting something to happen…but then it’s something else. Itmade the ending really heartfelt and beautiful 🥰

A huge thank you to @avonbooksuk for the ebook ARC, Into The Fire is out 5th June and you can pre-order now!

Steve is a national hero. After rushing into a burning house and saving the life of a baby everyone wants to congratulate him. However, he couldn’t save the parents and feels distraught and certainly not a hero. He becomes extremely subdued and angry at the press intrusion. His loving wife, Sarah and friends Phil and Emma try to convince him he did an amazing thing. The police too were extremely complimentary. He is adamant he doesn’t want the attention. Is there something he is hiding? As the story progresses, it appears Steve has every reason to remain anonymous and as events spiral out of his control he knows he must finally face the demons that have plagued his life. A fast paced story told from different perspectives that has several twists and a dramatic conclusion that will have far reaching consequences for all concerned. An excellent story that delves into how the early lives of people can continue to affect them despite having apparent perfect lives. A time bomb hovering near the surface just waiting for the right moment to explode.

Steve is a normal guy - wife, kids, job - however there's an indication that bad things have happened to him in the past with his recurring nightmares.
One evening when walking home from the pub with his wife and friends, they spot a house on fire. Steve rushes into the flames and rescues baby Jack.
From this heroic act, Steve's past is slowly uncovered and his life gradually spirals into disaster.
I love a good twist in a thriller. Into the Fire has a great twist quite early on, then continues to twist and turn throughout.
This is a brilliant read.

Oh … my …word! This story is about a normal man who is a good husband and a wonderful father, and I was rooting for him right from the start. I could feel all his emotions and fears and could not turn the pages fast enough. There is so much tension and suspense in this book that it is difficult to put down. The twist at the end was breathtaking and brilliant. The only thing that I didn’t like, again, was the (very) overuse of tag lines and use of names where ‘he’ or ‘she’ should have been used. How many times do we have to hear ‘DS Willmott replied/said/asked/nodded/’? In many cases the tag line could have been left out, or at least changed to ‘she’ instead of her full title. In my review of After the Storm I gave 4 stars instead of 5 because of this, but here I’m upgrading my 4.5 to 5 because this was such a fabulous and well written book. Please, D G Wright, check how many times you could have changed ‘DS Willmott’ to ‘she’! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this amazing early copy.

I was having a drink with a friend whilst soaking in a hot tub the other day - as you do - and the conversation turned to holiday destinations. My friend loves to spend time in France, savouring the food, the wine, the scenery and the culture. She'll be travelling to Provence later this year and is already beaming in anticipation.

I could easily understand her thinking, and to some extent even agreed with it. But for me, there was one fundamental problem. I wasn't sure I could love a country that has the city of Paris in it.

Anyone who has ever spent any time in Paris should understand what I'm talking about. And if you haven't, I hope you're never unfortunate enough to need to. But anyone who tells you that it's romantic is either winding you up or has their head firmly stuck in the clouds. It's no such thing. It's a dirty, polluted and congested hellhole where, if you can survive crossing the road without getting run over by a suicidal maniac on a motorbike, there'll be someone else on a street corner trying to steal, or con you out of all your money. If France were a supermodel, I reasoned, Paris would be a big festering boil of pus on its backside.

It was at precisely this moment that I realised my argument had crumbled to dust. Because, of course, it's wrong to define a whole country by a single city, or other feature. France is lovely despite having Paris in it, in the same way that my friend is lovely and still would be if she happened to have a boil somewhere unmentionable. And it's this point that brings me to Into The Fire, the second novel by G D Wright. It's a book that has its imperfections, but ultimately it's your loss if you regard these as anything less than inconsequential.

This book is a sequel to the astonishing After The Storm, and it brings back Detective Sergeant Sue Wilmott in the fictional town of Beachbrook. And that's wonderful. But not as wonderful as the storyline we're presented with this time round, which opens with a bang as Steve rushes into a burning house and manages to pull a child from the flames. Only to then be revealed as the man responsible for the murder of another child in Beachbrook. A murder that occurred years earlier, but one which Sue Wilmott still remembers all too well.

As we learn more about Steve's life in the past and present, the reader - aided by some more of this author's wonderful, powerful, tense, emotional and beautiful writing - is torn between admiring and despising him. Admiration for his having managed to put his past behind him to become a loving and inspirational husband and father, and disgust not only for the crime he is suspected of, but for the ongoing grief and heartbreak that those closest to the victim still feel. If you'd asked me how I felt about Steve at any point during the book, I don't think I could have answered. My opinion of him changed from one chapter to another, and didn't really stop changing until ... that ending.

Wow. It's horrific and yet it all made perfect, terrible sense. It was almost unbearable to read, and yet at the same time I loved it for being as powerfully and yet sensitively written as it is.

I did mention that the book has a few small flaws, and that's true. I thought that the foreshadowing in the early chapters was a bit overdone and that overall, the book didn't seem to flow quite as well as After The Storm did. Some of the chapters about Steve's childhood in particular seemed a bit disjointed somehow.

Look at it this way, though. If the book as a whole is France, my few criticisms of it are like - not Paris, they're nowhere near as bad as that. Maybe Calais. On their own, they're valid but overall, they're irrelevant. And that's one of the reasons why I strongly recommend, even implore you to pre-order a copy of this book as soon as you can.

There's another reason, too, though. Its author. At the time of my writing this, Gaz Wright is in hospital where he's battling pneumonia, sepsis and several other infections. He's therefore unable to give his second book the promotion that it so richly deserves.

So please, do him, and yourselves a favour. Buy a copy of his - I'll say it again - astonishing debut, After The Storm and pre-order this one as soon as you can. I can't think of any conceivable reason why you shouldn't be amazed by them both. But even in the event that you aren't, the worst that can happen is that you'll still have done a good deed.

My thanks to Avon Books UK and Netgalley for the digital ARC of this book, which will be published in the UK on 5th June 2025. I will post my review on Goodreads, Amazon and my social media pages.

Steve runs into the flames as a hero, and emerges as a suspect…. But which one is he really?

This was a slow burn, mysterious thriller that really ramped up the pace at the 60% mark.

The story is told from multiple pov, which I enjoyed, as it gave more depth to the story and explored events from different perspectives.

The way the story slowly unfolded built suspense, and I was not expecting that ending! There are a few flashbacks to the past, past, and it was interesting to slowly unravel these flashbacks to see the part they played with the past and the present.

This is a great story, one that is highly recommend picking up! Thank you so much to Avon books and Netgalley for the advance copy of this book. Opinions expressed here are my own.

Steve is a family man with a loving wife and two young children aged 7 and 4. They live in Beachbrook, a seaside town on the South Coast where Steve owns and runs a coffee shop. An ordinary man who becomes a national hero after saving a baby from a terrible fire. However, within days he is arrested on suspicion of a 20 year old murder! Told from multiple perspectives but mainly those of Steve and DS Sue Willmott, the officer investigating the house fire, this is a compelling read.

Briefly, as we learn more about Steve, we also see the traumatic effect of both events on the lives of Steve and his family, as well as the arresting DS and Kevin, the father of the murdered girl, Charlotte. Events move forward in the most terrible way for all concerned as each of their lives is turned upside down. But then, just as Steve comes to an incredibly brave decision, matters take the most horrific turn imaginable.

The author has created two brilliant characters here in Steve, a flawed individual but who was the first to help when needed, and Sue, a kind and supportive officer you feel you could rely on to do the right thing. This is a story about a father’s love for his family and how he will do anything to keep that family safe. A really well drawn dark thriller from the start to the completely shocking end, I found it emotional and both heartbreaking and heartwarming. An easy 5⭐️ read.

3.5/5

Steve runs into the flames a hero after saving a baby from a burning house. He then emerges from the ashes as a suspect. But which one is he really?

I absolutely adored this authors first book After The Storm and I had high hopes for this!

The book starts off with an absolute bang, it is extremely action packed. However, I did find the pacing was quite slow at times after the initial excitement.

I think this book would make a great TV series as the story does not head into the direction you think it’s going to go.

The ending takes an extremely dark turn which really shocked me and I was taken a back! I did find it was a little rushed but I do understand why it wasn’t drawn out.

Steve rescues a baby from a burning building one day and quickly becomes a national hero. But soon this thrusts secrets from his past into light, those that he wanted to remain hidden.

I have heard so many good things about this author’s first book that I knew I needed to read this one when I saw it. Even though this is the second in the series featuring DS Sue Willmot, it can easily be read as a standalone and I had no issues in understanding the characters and storyline. This was such a thought provoking, emotional read, questioning can someone right a wrong, which has definitely left me thinking. Even though there are some dark, serious issues explored, it is done in a sensitive and authentic way.

The character development was strong and I enjoyed that the story was told in multiple voices. My only real issue with this story was that it was a quite a slow burn and by the midway point became overly slow. Even so, the writing style and character development keeps this story a solid read and I will certainly read the first book by this author. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

Steve thought he had left his troubled past behind. Living a quiet life with his wife and children, everything changes the night he rescues a baby from a burning house, becoming an unexpected national hero. But as the spotlight shines brighter, so does the scrutiny, and a shocking accusation is made - that Steve is the man responsible for an unsolved murder in Beachbrook years prior. As DS Willmot investigates the truth, Steve pleads his innocence. But as Steve's world unravels, he faces a terrifying truth: the past isn't done with him yet.

As I thoroughly enjoyed the author's previous book - After The Storm - I had no hesitation requesting this book without even reading the premise. The story goes from hero to zero by just making a stupid mistake. There is so much raw emotion throughout the chapters. This is a well-written story, with relatable and well-fleshed out characters. The story is told from multiple points of view, it's a tense and emotional read. I wasn't expecting that ending.

Published 5th June 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBookUK and the author #GDWright for my ARC of #IntoTheFire in exchange for an honest review.

Once again, Gary has written a flaming great book. The story is told in multiple points of view and over different time periods. We begin with Steve Minchin running into a burning house and comes out with a baby he saved in his arms! Everyone calls him a hero for this selfless act. However, Steve is not the hero you would expect. He is wanted for a crime, which comes back to haunt him. The plot was taut and tense with a few nail biting moments. All the sub plots come together to a fiery conclusion.

Wright is the master of pulling you in straight away with all of the emotions. This one starts with a tragic house fire, in which Steve runs into to save a sleeping baby. Now claimed a hero, his new fame forces him into the spotlight, but also under the scrutiny of the police.

It's such a gripping opening, and the turmoil that follows really gets your mind ticking. Does one action outweigh another? Can we ever be forgiven for our pasts? Does everybody deserve punishment?

There are many moral dilemmas to ponder over. The one that hit me the hardest was about how our pasts can define us. Can those who have been brought up in a broken home ever escape that cycle of abuse? Can we become better parents than the ones we experienced ourselves?

I wanted one final thing to click into place regarding this and the book's ending which is what would have made it five stars for me. Because as much of a shocker as it is, it wrapped up a little too quickly for it to really rip my heart out, which is what I wanted it to do.

But otherwise, it's a very powerful and character-driven read, and Steve is developed so brilliantly that you can't help but feel everything he is feeling, as you battle over whether he deserves forgiveness or not.

It was also great to see DS Willmott return! I really hope this series continues!

“Sometimes it was better to apologise afterwards, than to ask permission in the first place.”

Into The Fire follows Steve, who finds himself becoming an unexpected national hero when he rescues a baby from a burning house. But under public scrutiny, Steve finds himself being accused of being responsible for an unsolved murder in Beachbrook years prior. As his world unravels, public opinion is firmly divided. Steve pleads his innocence, but DS Sue Willmott is determined to get to the bottom of what really happened all those years ago. After all, even heroes hide secrets of their own…

Into The Fire is a suspenseful and emotional thriller set in the coastal town of Beachbrook. I loved the characters and their development in this book - the relentless pursuit for justice by Sue, the internal struggles faced by Steve, and the rage and grief encompassing Kevin were all particularly noteworthy. Their individual characters were compelling on their own, but it was their interactions that truly elevated the story. The tension, the conflict and the quiet moments of vulnerability made for a compelling read that had me read the majority of this book in one sitting.

The suspense in Into The Fire builds steadily, tightening its grip with each chapter, until it accelerates around part three when everything begins to ignite. I loved the structure of the book: divided into four parts, each named after a stage of fire. It’s a subtle yet clever touch that speaks volumes about the thought, care, and creativity woven into every detail of the story. And the ending? I won’t spoil it, but it packed a twist I definitely did not see coming that left me reeling.

Thank you so much to G.D. Wright and Avon for sending me this advanced copy of Into the Fire to read and review. My opinions are my own.

The second book I've read by this author and he really knows how to pull on the heartstrings.
A brilliant storyline. Full of characters that makes you want to get to know them more.
Can anyone ever atone for a past mistake that is so devastating some will never get over it.
Gripping and absorbing I could not wait to read the next chapter.
Throughly enjoyed reading this book

GD Wright has done it again, what a brilliant book, hooked in from the beginning and gripped all the way through.

This book is told from multiple POV and over different time periods.
It starts with Steve who runs into a burning house and reappears holding the baby he saved from said house. What a selfless act of heroism, but this new found fame puts him right into the spotlight and he is wanted for a previous crime that comes back to haunt him.
With a plot twist, this is a gripping read that kept a steady pace from start to finish, and what an ending it was, I was not expecting it.
I have read, and loved both of G.D Wrights books and he is now firmly on my radar and must buy list. Highly recommend.

What starts off as being an heroic rescue for Steve turns into his worst nightmare when his ugly past rears its head... On a night out with hi missus and their friends, they are just walking home when they see a house on fire. Steve doesn't hesitate and rushes in, managing to save a baby, becoming a national hero despite he himself not feeling that way, as all he sees is him not managing to save the parents too...
But his hero status doesn't last long when circumstances lead to him being linked to an historic unsolved murder from years ago. His DNA having been found on the body of a young girl.
And that's all I am saying as you really need to discover all the inns and outs of this case as the author intended. Suffice to say it's a very thought provoking book and it had me torn, as well as getting a bit emotionally involved. You'll see when you get there!
Oh, I nearly forgot, it's actually the second in a series featuring he same investigative officers, the first being After The Storm, although that said, it can easily be read as a stand alone book. But, as the first book was absolutely brilliant, do yourself a favour and read it too!
As with the previous book, this book is quite hard hitting at times. Well, we start off with a very nasty fire, and later on we delve into Steve's past and it isn't particularly pretty. There's other hard hitting stuff too, including something that came a bit out of left field but actually when put together as a whole, actually added to the book.
Characterisation was brilliant and I really got under the skin of all the main players. It was a tough read what with some of their back stories, especially with the emotional connection I had made but, I hasten to add, at no point did I ever feel unsafe. The author managed to keep the balance right and there were lighter moments which kept it all on an even keel.
The story is just as compelling as the characters and held my attention throughout, spitting me out at the end exhausted but wholly satisfied.
With two stonking books already under his belt, I really can't wait to see what he serves up next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Into the Fire is a well written, completely immersive page-turner with exemplary character development.

When Steve Minchin sees a house on fire, on the way home from a night out with his wife, Sarah, and their best friends, Phil and Emma, he doesn’t give it a second thought. He knows what he has to do. Hailed a hero, Steve struggles to balance the gratitude from the community with the enormity of the secret he has kept for years.

When the truth is revealed, there’s a huge moral dilemma at play, aside from the legal ramifications, everyone has an opinion and someone wants revenge.

As the story headed towards it’s conclusion, I was torn between desperation to know the truth and not wanting it to end. The big reveal towards the ending was so completely unexpected, it blew my mind. So many small details that hadn’t really registered throughout the book, suddenly became huge events that shaped the remainder of the story in so many ways.

Absolutely brilliant!

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, G. D. Wright and Avon for an ARC of this book.