When I met Earl Emerson at a book signing in Seattle back in 1992, he told me he was in the process of writing a book that, was going to get him "fired" at the Seattle Fire Department. The book he was talking about was Morons and Madmen.

After reading it, I can understand why. This is the best of the Mac Fontana series because it combines Emerson's expert knowledge of fire fighting with his usual sense of humor, off-beat characters, fast pace action and the "hot issue" of Affirmative Action in the Fire Department. The story is about a female fire fighter, Diane Cooper, who is made the "fall guy" for three fire-fighters deaths at a Warehouse fire in Seattle. Cooper hires Mac Fontana, Fire Chief/Investigator of Staircase,WA to find the truth (This predates the Pang Warehouse fire by a few years).

Central to the story is this "hot" issue of public service hiring practices that affect people's lives. That element alone is worth the price of admission. Emerson does not try to make an argument here, rather, he makes the reader think about this high profile issue, and with the characters in the book, decide how to deal with it. As we follow the investigation, the reader is pulled in by event first, the issue second, and then by hope of coming to the truth through the facts. When Mac interviews several of the fire fighters, some rant their opinions, right or wrong, about the issue first. Mac simply listens and then says, "What did you see happen at the Ratt fire." This kind of a "Just the facts" approach helps us unravel a very complex issue, without over simplifying it at the same time. Emerson perfectly balances his writing style, which is more akin to Raymond Chandler, with moments of humor and real terror. We need more Mac Fontana's looking for the objective truth out there. Keep up the series Mr. Emerson.

Oh ya! I don't think Emerson lost his job at the Seattle Fire Department over this book. However, I don't think he works for the Department any longer. He can now dedicate even more of his time to writing books as good and thought provoking as Morons and Madmen.

So you like a good mystery, but McGees long gone and Spenser sounds more like a bad cliche with every passing title. Take a look at Thomas Black - Seattle's number one detective. In this, the third installment in a trilogy beginning with Yellow Dog Party and The Portland Laugher, our intrepid hero is attempting to deal with the loss of the love of his life - Kathy Birchfield. It seems Thomas killed her fiance and that put a damper on Thomas and Kathy's relationship. Imagine that. A mutual client sets up a meeting - between Thomas and Kathy unbeknownst to them and the story is off and running. Thomas is thrown into an investigation that leads him on several dangerous twists and turns as he encounters assorted unsavory characters. Emerson's gift for dialogue reminds the mystery buff of the best of Robert Parker in the early Spenser stories. The characters are well developed, and the tale zips along to an unexpected conclusion. If you haven't read any of Emerson's Thomas Black books, this may not be the best place to start. The dynamic between Thomas and Kathy has been cultivated slowly over the series. Yellow Dog Party makes more sense as a staarting point for new Black fans, but The Vanishing Smile is an excellent addition to the series. It appears Emerson has found a publisher who appreciates him and recognizes his talent. He has even been all the way to Texas for book signings, and was well received. Black is a true man of his time, and Emerson's social commentary right on. Political correctness is not Thomas's strong suit, much to the delight of the reader.

Jim Swope is a nervous firefighter in the Earl Emerson's new novel "Into the Inferno." Swope works in Washington State's North Bend Fire and Rescue Company, and this group of paid and volunteer firefighters have run into some serious trouble. One by one, the North Bend firefighters have either become seriously ill or died in violent accidents. Are these events coincidental or is there something more insidious going on?

Swope is terrified when he begins to experience the same symptoms as his fallen colleagues. With the help of Stephanie Riggs, the sister of one of the victims, Swope starts investigating the "North Bend Syndrome" and what he and Stephanie find out is shocking and horrifying.

Earl Emerson sustains the reader's interest throughout this unusual novel. I loved the character of Jim Swope, an individual whose childhood traumas have left lasting scars, especially in his ability to relate to women. Jim is also a loving father and a courageous man who is willing to learn from his mistakes. I liked the character of Stephanie Riggs, as well. She is a tough and intelligent doctor who is dogged in her pursuit of the truth about the syndrome that has destroyed her sister.

Emerson balances the book's humorous and serious aspects skillfully and he maintains a high level of excitement throughout the novel. I recommend "Into the Inferno." It works both as a thriller and as a quirky psychological study of a beleaguered man who is pushed to his limits.

This was my first Earl Emerson book. The local librarian recommended it, and I'm sure glad. This was an exciting, suspenseful page-turner; and I really didn't know whether I should laugh or cry as I read it. Jim Swope, a firefighter, is facing the fact that in 7 days he will probably be reduced to a vegetable in a nursing home. His sense of humor was awesome, and I laughed out loud many times. At the same time, there were some very tender moments, especially with his daughters, that made me so sad. It made me glad that I am a reader.

I am always impressed by Emerson's talent, and I wonder after each new book when he finds the time to write--given his full-time job as a firefighter. But it's his first-hand experience as a firefighter that informs the best of his work and Into the Inferno is no exception. With fully drawn, exceptionally well-conceived characters, Emerson takes us along on a death trip with deeply conflicted womanizer Jim Swope. While Swope's view of himself is not a pleasant one, the reader cannot help but like this fellow because he's just so utterly likeable--particularly in his interaction with his two daughters. Given that I picked out the villain of the piece right away, it's a testament to Emerson's narrative gift that I stuck with the story, waiting for Swope's "aha!" moment. And it's delivered very well. There's so much action that there's scarcely breathing room--either for the characters or for the reader. There are also some very profound observations on life and what is, and isn't, valuable. Yet these observations are delivered within the context of the character and ring very true. For sheer entertainment value, Emerson's hard to beat.
Highly recommended.

Earl Emerson's series of Thomas Black mysteries was my father's favorite line of books. Thomas Black, your everyman's hero, is an ex-cop turned private investigator in the university district of Seattle, Washington. Since I went to the UW I thought it might be fun to read these mysteries. I was pleasantly surprised at these books, which feature a hero that almost any guy can relate to on some level. Thomas Black is wonderfully flawed, with a fetish for large breasts and a jealous side that even he can't seem to understand. I really like the characters in Emerson's mysteries too, but this book was rather disappointing in that it introduced Snake Slezak as though he was Black's lifelong friend, even though we haven't seen him in any of the earlier books. Also, I was really confused by the ending, and after reading it a second time I picked up quite a few holes in the story line. I felt like Kathy Bates in the movie Misery when she screams, "What, have you all got amnesia? He didn't get out of the cockadoody car!" Maybe you think I'm being overly critical like someone who brings up flaws in the plot of a porn movie, but I'm just saying that the story could be tighter. However, even though there are mistakes, Emerson's style will definitely keep you reading if you like mysteries, but don't be surprised if you can pick apart the plot and find major flaws. To be honest, I think the guy should find a better editor, because he's pretty creative, and with a little polishing and revision his books would be great.

This was the first book I read by Earl Emerson. As a Portland resident and a Tacoma native I was able to identify with Emerson as he weaves his plot from Seattle to Portland. Thomas Black is the perfect character for this and the other books in the series. An ex-cop turned private investigator, Black has the feel of a Northwest detective. Living in the U Dub district in Seattle, Black is depicted as a down to earth guy trying to earn a living as a private detective. Emerson draws from his own knowledge of the Northwest as a Seattle firefighter and a Tacoma native in unraveling the plot. Many of the characters he creates are unique and present a great composite of Northwest life styles. A great read and terrific climax.

I bought this book in the Portland airport just before a flight back home. Usually I pick up a book for reading on a flight, and when done leave it for either the airline people or another passenger to pick it up -- but not this one. I was hooked from page one and when finished I kept it and loaned it out to others as a highly suggested read.

This was my first Emerson novel; what is interesting is how it shows that he (the author) had developed his ability to paint characters richly as well as handle plots with more dexterity than in his earlier novels, which I sought out to read after this one. I also have read books he's written since this one (except his latest, "Catfish Cafe"), and feel this is his best effort -- both in the Thomas Black series (this book features Thomas Black) and in the Mac Fontana series.

If you are an Emerson fan and haven't read this one, by all means read it. If you've not read any Emerson books yet, make this your first one. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Fat Tuesday was my introduction to Earl Emerson and I intend to read all of his books. Fat Tuesday was funny, refreshing, and I found it to be a great page turner. Wonderful characters. The plot I didn't figure out. I enjoyed this book very much.

Fat Tuesday is the fourth Thomas Black novel by Earl Emerson. When Black and his friend, lawyer Kathy Birchfield go to meet with Fred Pugsley, they find him dead in a pool of blood. His wife, Maggie is found holding the murder weapon, a bicycle sprocket remover. The police think Maggie killed him because of Fred's numerous affairs. Another prime suspect is Eric Castle, a cycler and former co-worker of Pugsley at Micro Darlings, a manufacturer of computer games. There are other suspects who may have killed him because Fred may have slept with their wives or girlfriends. Black's life is also in danger from a motorcycle "mama", a 3000-lb. bull named Aunt Mabel, and a crazy man. This is the most complex Black novel to date, and is an excellent read.

A very fast paced, cleverly written suspense novel. The protagonist is one you will find interesting and will want to garnish your trust. You will read this book in less than a week. Kudos.

Emerson's only moderately competent private eye sails through a tale that presents moral dilemmas as well as insights into relationships without being pretentious, some wildly improbable characters, witty wise-guy prose and a strongly realistic evocation of the West Coast. Easy reading and excellent of its type!

This was the first (but not the last) Earl W. Emerson book I've read. I found it very enjoyable, and could not put it down until I was done. Being from the Pacific Northwest, I especially enjoyed all the references to familiar places. I went to our local bookstore this afternoon and purchased several more Earl W. Emerson mysteries. Can't wait to get started. Going back to start at the beginning of the Thomas Black series with "Rainy City", as I would like to see his relationship with Kathy unfold in chronological order. Highly recommended and just plain fun!

I've read all of Emerson's Thomas Black books and have enjoyed every single one of them. (I'm currently reading Catfish Cafe). I started reading this series almost 10 years ago and am constantly waiting for new ones to come out. The humor as well as mystery in his books keep you reading until the very end. I'm not into really gory and scary books but I love mysteries. Emerson's writing gives me exactly what I want. Deception Pass was not quite as suspenseful as some of his other books (try Million Dollar Tattoo). I kind of knew the ending in the middle of the book, but I read mostly because I enjoy the character Thomas Black and I like to hear the descriptions of Seattle in the books. This book is written in the typical Emerson style and you won't be disappointed!

Stephen Greenleaf and Earl Emerson are probably the two finest practitioners of the "hardboiled P.I." school currently writing. THE MILLION-DOLLAR TATTOO admirably displays Emerson's strengths: a smooth, colorful style; a complex, outrageous, but ultimately credible plot; a motley cast of well-drawn characters; an outstanding sense of pace; a terrific ear for dialogue; and well-timed humor.

Other reviews here will give you a hint about the plot, so I'll simply add that underlying all of it is the serious theme of the misuse of money and power.

I really enjoyed Snake and the aliens women. The book is fantastic! It is a must read.

This is by far the funniest book in the Thomas Black series. About page 2 I gave up laughing and went right to snorting. And the mystery was pretty darned good, too. If you only read one book by Earl Emerson (and if you stop at one, your next stop should be a shrink), this one is the "must read."

While not really a brain teaser, Emerson writes a murder mystery set in Staircase, Washington, a small town featuring transplanted firefighter Mac Fontana with wit and aplomb. Not to dismiss the secondary characters, Emerson breathes life into each and every one. (I found my copy, autographed(!) in a second-hand bookstore in Seattle.)

What can I say that would do justice to this book? I have a tendency to gush, but to do so is an insult to the character of Mac Fontana, as well as to the deceptively simple, highly evocative prose of Emerson. I am so hooked on this writer's work! When do I get my next fix???

Earl Emerson is back and, though too long a wait, Vertical Burn was well worth the wait. This is not one of his series novels (Thomas Black, Mac Fontana), but a stand alone book that you wish was first in a series. Not only are the characters ones you'd like to hang out with again someday, but the plot and suspense are great. Fasinating insight into the world of firefighting, but it's the story that counts. And it's a great one. I hope Earl Emerson doesn't stay away so long next time.

Vertical Burn, the latest from Earl Emerson was well worth the wait. Although initially disappointed to hear it was not a Mac Fontana or a Thomas Black book, that disappointment faded before I finished the first page. His knowledge of fire fighting and his own experiences over the years all lend credibility to this intense and suspensful story. John Finney is a character you can not only like, but respect. Mr. Emerson shows a whole new dimension to his talent in this book. Earl Emerson books have always been at the top of my list, and VERTICAL BURN tops them all. Now the whining starts again as the wait for his next book begins!

Being a diehard Earl Emerson fan, I looked forward to this book with both avid anticipation and some measure of doubt. Anticipation, because Emerson is a born storyteller/writer and student of human nature--his series characters (Thomas Black and Mac Fontana) are completely believable and engaging, unlike so many mystery book characters who are promoters of the plot, not 'living' people involved in it. Doubt, because VERTICAL BURN is a stand alone book, and I feared that characterization might suffer in favor of action/thriller themes. No need to worry on that score--the lead characters in VB are drawn with Emerson's fine artist's hand, and you come to care about their lives and situational hazards almost immediately. That Emerson is a 24-year veteran of firefighting lends veracity to the plot and action--this writer KNOWS his stuff, and carries you with him into the most terrifying and tension-filled treatment of firefighting I've **ever** read. That the end highrise fire immediately brings to mind the tragedy of 9/11 is both disconcerting and fascinating; I feel now that I understand so much more about what happened in the WTC towers on that awful day. But VB is NOT based on 9/11 (was written long before)and reveals WHY every fireman's worst nightmare is battling a highrise fire. I promise--VERTICAL BURN will have you trembling with tension, and if you can sleep peacefully after completing it, you will have managed the aftereffects better than I. This is a terrific book. You'll be scrambling to find other Emerson books and, like me, you'll be eagerly awaiting his next!