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In 2008, while looking into the vandalism of Robert Frost’s farmhouse in Vermont, an unnamed reporter discovered some files on an old computer. Contained in one file were notes on historical sites that had been vandalized or set on fire. However, even more disturbing was a journal of events that took place on two summer days in 1998, leading up to the arson of the Thomas Wolfe memorial. It was written by a Ben Jennings, a newspaper reporter from Asheville, North Carolina.
Ben receives an assignment to look into a man called DC, who repeatedly calls the newspaper to report that he’s seen the ghost of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s wife, Zelda Fitzgerald, who died in a mental hospital fire in 1948. He locates DC, who appears to be a cult leader to a handful of followers.
DC lights fires in a pit to bring up angry spirits who speak through him. However, what particularly fascinates Ben is DC’s take on literary figures. An unpublished writer, DC angrily criticizes the literary greats, and popular art and literature in general.
There have been a series of arsons in the area, and their nature leads Ben to believe that DC was somehow involved. But will Ben pursue his investigation—or will he, as another unfulfilled writer, be sucked into DC’s cynicism?
The unique plot and eerie tone of Fire Gazer: Arson at the Wolfe House kept me engrossed in the story. Author Kevin Burton McGuire made it easy for me to visualize these dark and quirky characters—from Ben and DC to the supporting players—and I couldn’t wait to find out what would ultimately happen to Ben at the end of the story. Unfortunately, though, this is where I felt cheated, as the book’s abrupt ending left me wanting more. In fact, I kept writing different conclusions in my head, imagining scenarios that would have made a greater impact. I think that McGuire, who is actually from Asheville, was trying to make a statement, but I just couldn’t figure out exactly what it was.
That said, though, I still recommend Fire Gazer, as its original premise and engaging story make the journey well worth the time spent. At only 99 pages, it’s the perfect book to stash away in a purse or small pack and read while you’re waiting for friends to show up at a restaurant or killing time in the doctor’s office. However, be forewarned: you just may be compelled to write your own ending.
