A fire reveals a murder.
A murder reveals a conspiracy.
And Cincinnati is about to burn.
When a massive warehouse blaze erupts in the West End, Fire Captain Avery Holt discovers a chilling truth-the victim inside was already dead before the flames touched him. Detective Lila Kessler quickly identifies the body as a city IT contractor, and the case ignites a dangerous chain reaction across Cincinnati.
As more fires strike Mount Adams, Over-the-Rhine, and the riverfront, each scene hides another clue-targeted kills disguised as accidents. Paramedic Evan Rourke fights crippling PTSD from the Brent Spence disaster, while fire investigator Noah Brand uncovers a shocking pattern: every blaze links to a hidden corruption network inside the city.
But someone inside the department is feeding information to the killer.
When a false 911 call lures the team into an ambush, and an explosion nearly kills Avery during a river rescue, the truth becomes undeniable-Cincinnati has a mole, and the fires are just the beginning.
The final showdown erupts at a crowded Fountain Square festival, where the arsonist's real objective is finally revealed: a city-wide cover-up that could bring Cincinnati to its knees.
Queen City Response is a gritty, character-driven thriller filled with fast-paced action, emotional stakes, and a team forged in fire. Perfect for fans of Chicago Fire, 9-1-1, and police-fire procedural crossovers.
A new elite unit is born.
But the danger has only begun.
Book Two-Aftershock-picks up where the flames leave off.