This was a quick and enjoyable read. This is the second book in the Fear of Series; however, you can read this as a standalone. Hannah was unable to reach her sister for a planned sleepover due to a blizzard. Casey is brutally murdered in her own apartment on the same night, forever affecting Hannah. Ten years later Hannah is still determined to find out who killed Casey. She is a PI and travels to Laramie to investigate further. Will Hannah find out who did it? Will it put Hannah in danger? You must read to find out. It's worth it.

A truly enjoyable thriller! I loved the main character, and my heart went out to her. This was fast paced, and well written. I did not read the first book in the series, after reading this I will pick up the first. 5 star read for me

I didn't read the first book in this series, but I definitely enjoyed this second book. I felt like it could be a standalone story, although I did wonder how much the first book talked about Hannah and her struggles. Hannah is investigating her sister's murder from 10 years ago. She is a strong female character but has a lot of personal issues to overcome.

This was a great murder, mystery book. I loved the small-town setting making this a creepy thriller. I would recommend this book to all that enjoy mystery, murder and thrillers.

Thank you NetGalley and N/B Books for this ARC

I swear a lot. Like, a lot. Hannah, the main character in this who is looking for her sister's murder, uses her swearing to abuse the people she's talking to and make real conversation impossible. This went beyond being unlikeable. The writing also makes people simplistic; for example, the people who talk to her are always smirking. It also bothered me that the prologue, where the sister Casey is being murdered, is told from her point of view with her thoughts. I'm glad this book was short, at least.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.

🏞Good plot: investigator with issues😟

The Fear of Fire had a number of things going for it that made it a solid murder mystery and suspenseful read.

--I liked the Wyoming setting with the image of smaller cities and expanses of wilderness that lend a creepy factor when P.I. Hannah, the female lead, high tails it out of Laramie, Wyoming, the place where her sister was brutally assaulted and murdered, to remote, isolated properties and for hikes on solitary nature trails off season. Seems a local believes Casey was only one of a string of murder victims that may be pinned to one killer. Hannah intends to delve into the cold cases and ensure the killer takes no more women's lives.

--The murder mystery/investigation was, I thought, the strongest element of the story. But Hannah's anxiety, her history of self harm and her unabating desire to catch her sister Casey's killer all made for an interesting lead character. And they also partly explain why she is impetuous, and repeatedly reckless, in her search for the killer.

--Good side characters, loads of action (at times OTT, especially when it comes to Hannah's injuries) added to a good plot. Hannah's dealings with local police bring up the issues of anti-gay prejudice and over zealous policing with a touch of misogyny thrown in. Though I only saw a tangential connection toward the end to the book's title, I thought the cover was a good depiction of the setting Hannah was working in and, in fact, the cover was a major draw.

TW: history of self harm, thoughts of suicide, graphic violence.

Thanks to NB Books, Independent Book Publishers Assn and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

Another great murder mystery from Sterling. I was hooked and devastated from the very start.

Hannah is somewhat of a loner and she puts her grief from losing her sister in finding answers. You feel her desperation to get answers, hesitation to go back into her sister’s community.

Sterling sets a great pace throughout, always giving us enough info or a helpful character to carry us through without hinting too much to where it all leads.

A solid thriller and murder mystery. I didn't realize this was part two in a series but it works as a standalone novel.
Our main character, Hannah, has a lot of baggage, family dysfunction, OCD, anxiety. Some of that was triggered or at least exacerbated by her older sister's murder. Now Hannah is determined to find out who killed her sister or die trying.
I enjoyed the mystery aspect, but enjoyed the character study of Hannah more, she's a compelling character and I look forward to reading more about her.

Thank you to NetGalley and N/B Books for the advance reading copy.

Although I really liked the first story for some reason this second one just didn't resonate for me. I felt like there were things in the story that added no value and I don't understand why they were there. I also had a hard time believing that a private detective would be so careless.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

“The Fear of Fire” by S.C. Sterling is a gripping addition to "The Fear Of” series that delves into the chilling depths of unresolved trauma and the relentless pursuit of justice. The narrative picks up with Hannah Jacobs, a character haunted by the brutal murder of her sister Casey a decade ago. With the case gone cold and the killer still at large, Hannah’s life is overshadowed by the specter of that fateful blizzard night in Laramie, Wyoming.

Sterling’s prose is sharp and evocative, masterfully weaving a tale of suspense that grips the reader from the first page. The author has a knack for creating a palpable sense of place, making the town of Laramie a character in its own right—its chilling winds and snow-laden streets become the backdrop for a story that is as much about the setting as it is about the characters.

Hannah is portrayed with a depth rare in thriller genres. Her vulnerability and determination make her a protagonist that readers can cheer for, even as they fear for her safety. The introduction of an amateur sleuth adds a layer of intrigue and aids in the slow unraveling of a mystery that is as complex as it is horrifying.

“The Fear of Fire” is a story about confronting the ghosts of our past and the lengths we will go to seek closure. Sterling does not shy away from the darker aspects of humanity, yet there’s a thread of hope that runs through the narrative, making it a compelling read.

The pacing is relentless, with twists that are unexpected yet never feel contrived. As the story progresses towards its climax, the tension is almost unbearable, culminating in a resolution that is both satisfying and thought-provoking.

“The Fear of Fire” is a masterclass in thriller writing, with a well-crafted plot, rich character development, and a setting that is both a sanctuary and a prison. S.C. Sterling proves once again why he is a formidable voice in crime fiction. This book is a must-read for fans of the mystery and suspense genres and anyone who appreciates a well told story.

The story was overall well written and very descriptive. It was however rather slow and took awhile to build up to the ending. The ending was good but no huge twists or surprises.

Hannah investigates her sister's murder 10 years earlier. A very good well written thriller. Hannah is well drawn and her narrative keeps the story going as you root for her. Although this is the second book in the series it can be read as a stand alone. I am really enjoying this series. Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for this review ARC.

I couldn’t put this one down and sped through it! The Fear of Fire a fast paced book about a younger sister trying to solve her sister’s murder from several years ago. I’ve read this is the second in a series but there’s no way you would know that from the book alone, it completely stands on its own.

This is book 2 in a series. It can be read a s a standalone due to there being minimal references to book 1. I do recommend reading book 1 because it's good! I read the blurb about book 1 and decided to listen to it before reading this one, and I'm glad I did. It was phenomenal!

This book is good! Hannah is the star of this book as she travels to Laramie, Wyoming to investigate the cold case of her sister's murder. This story is fast paced and intense! The setting is a small, remote town that makes the story even more thrilling. I was reading this at night, and was scared and turned the lights on. Hannah is a determined and strong female lead. She is great at her job. I did feel that she made some not-so-smart decisions at times to go off on her own in unsafe situations, but I admired her fierceness. The only issue I had was with the reveal of the murderer. It was thrown at us with no other information. I would've like more why or information surrounding that aspect of the story.

Thank you NetGalley and N/B Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

"The Fear of Fire," the second book in "The Fear Of" series by S.C. Sterling, captures the reader's attention from the very first page. The protagonist, Hannah Jacobs, is eager for a sleepover with her older sister Casey, but a blizzard thwarts her plans. That same night, a murderer invades Casey's apartment, leaving her brutally stabbed and barely alive. A decade later, Hannah, now a seasoned private investigator, returns to Laramie, Wyoming, determined to crack the cold case of her sister's attack. The narrative is engaging with well-crafted characters and a compelling storyline. However, the lack of details about the killer was a slight letdown. Nonetheless, the book's pace is relentless, and the suspense is masterfully built, making it impossible to put down. The anticipation for the next book in the series is high, thanks to the author's skill in weaving tension and excitement throughout the story. A heartfelt thank you to Netgalley and the author for providing an advanced copy.

This was a fast-paced thriller, very easy to read. The premise hooks you in immediately. I enjoyed the plot, but my main issue was with the likability of the main character. It’s hard to root for someone you don’t like even if you feel their actions and words are somewhat justified. I see real promise with this author and will read others. Thank you to NetGalley for the read.

The Fear of Fire is book 2 in the fear series and can be read as a stand-alone. The author wrote an engaging, tragic murder mystery that I thought was well done. The novel gave me the feel of Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn. Many elements and scenarios drew me in and made me cringe. The MC drives the narrative and I was addicted to her determination to solve this crime. I liked the writing and this author is quickly becoming a favorite of mine.
Thanks IBPA via NetGalley.

When I first started reading The Fear of Fire I didn’t realize it was the second book in a series, but not to worry this can easily be read as a standalone. That being said I enjoyed this one so much that I ordered a copy of the first book before I’d even finished with this one.

The opening scene with Casey really grabbed me. It was intense to say the least and definitely hooked me into the story. Speaking of the story, it is about Hannah Jacobs, Casey’s younger sister. It’s been ten years since Casey’s death and Hannah, now a private detective, is determined to finally solve her sister’s murder. Great characters and a well crafted plot had me reading late into the night. Honestly if I had to complain about anything, and this might be a stretch, I wish S.C. Sterling wrote shorter chapters. Just personal preference here. I like short punchy chapters. I still end up reading the same amount but I get the illusion of having read more with short chapters, lol. But my silly preference aside, this was seriously an excellent thriller. I particularly enjoyed the setting. Small town Wyoming gave off a great sense of desolation, if that makes sense. I’m looking forward to going back and reading book 1. I’d like to thank N/B Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of The Fear of Fire.

https://www.amazon.com/review/RFI2OMEKYCIOF/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_SRTC0204BT_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Ten years ago Casey Jacobs was murdered. Now her sister, Hannah, a private investigator is out to solve this cold case. This is a tight, well plotted, fast paced thriller. The characters and story are believable and excellent writing make this one an easy recommendation. I hope Sterling intends to continue on with this series. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

The Fear of Fire is book #2 of The Fear Of series by S.C. Sterling
Gripped from the first page this book had me invested from the start. Hannah Jacobs was excited to have a sleepover with her older sister Casey, but a blizzard prevented her from going. That night a killer broke into Casey's apartment and brutally stabbed her and left her for dead. Ten years later, Hannah now a private investigator she returns to Laramie, Wyoming to solve her sisters unsolved case. With the local police unwilling or able to help she uncovers a link from her sisters murder to other missing women in the area. As Hannah searches for evidence to
link her sisters murder to the serial killer, she puts her own life in danger . Will she find the man who killed her sister or become his next victim.
I could relate to Hannah's determination not to give up even when the police discouraged her meddling and even hindered her from searching out the truth. I enjoyed the characters and storyline, but I was disappointed to not get more info on the killer. I don't mind a slow burn but the end kind of felt like it came too quickly without enough storyline regarding the killer and his motives. And while upon finishing the book I see where the fire comes from I didn't particularly like it for the book.
All in all it was an enjoyable read, and I will recommend it to my thriller lovers.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Hannah has yet to address the loss of her sister Casey a decade ago, when a murderer broke into the latter's apartment and stabbed her to death.

It is even harder to do that when Hannah is aware that if their original plan for her to sleep over with Casey had gone ahead - instead of being postponed as a result of the brutal snowstorm that hit the city of Laramie, Wyoming that night - Hannah could have ended up dead alongside her sister.

Desperate for answers, she returns home and teams up with a local sleuth to find out what happened to her sister. What Hannah doesn't expect is the possibility of a link with a serial killer that their investigations uncover...Not to mention the danger that this then puts her in!

Hannah is an appealing protagonist and readers will root for her. The story is interesting and keeps you engaged almost throughout. Though part of a series, this can definitely be read as a stand-alone. It gets 3.5 stars.