The hunt forthe most prolific American arsonist of the twentieth century—in this Edgar Award–winning true crime story that’s “stranger than fiction” (The New York Times). From Joseph Wambaugh, the #1 New York Times–bestselling author of such classics as The Onion Field and The Choirboys, comes the extraordinary story of the chase for the “Pillow Pyro,” led by one ambitious firefighter. Growing up … chase for the “Pillow Pyro,” led by one ambitious firefighter.
Growing up in Los Angeles, John Orr idolized law enforcement. However, after being rejected by both the LAPD and LAFD, he settled for a position with the Glendale Fire Department. There, he rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a fire captain and one of Southern California’s best-known and most respected arson investigators. But Orr led another, unseen life, one that included womanizing and an insatiable thirst for recognition.
While Orr busted a slew of petty arsonists, there was one serial criminal he could not track down. Nothing was safe from the so-called Pillow Pyro’s obsession. Homes, retail stores, and fields of dry brush all went up in flames. His handiwork led to millions of dollars worth of property damage and the deaths of four innocent bystanders. But after years of evading the police, he made a mistake—one that would turn Orr’s life upside down.
The Washington Post raves, “When [Joseph Wambaugh] talks about the culture of cops versus the culture of firemen, we get no speculation, only hard-earned details.” Based on meticulous research, interviews, case records, and thousands of pages of court transcripts, Fire Lover is Wambaugh at his best.
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For: True Crime fans
I really enjoyed this book. I found it well written, & enjoyed when the author would throw in his 2 cents, usually in the form of a smart-ass comment. I found it kept a good , steady pace.
The only missing pieces for me were the facts that there wasn’t anything from the women in his life. He was married 4 times, plus numerous girlfriends, both when single & while married.I don’t know whether he made any attempt to talk to them, or if they all declined (hard to imagine), but I think they would have had some insight to share. Just seemed like it left a hole in the narrative.
The other missing piece for me was the lack of photos. I like photos in my true crime books, & this one doesn’t have any.
It’s a shame that John Orr wouldn’t talk to the FBI profilers, I think they could’ve learned a lot from him. So little is known about arsonists because organized serial arsonists are so rare.
This was a unique true crime subject & an interesting read
Good story
JW always tells a good story.
when i saw this book i was thinking a true story could work great book and make a action-packed movie would you…please
This is a true story about John Orr who became a firefighter in Glendale CA. and also an arson investigator. But there came a time when a slew of fires were being started in retail stores, homes, and dry brush areas. After bringing all of the normal suspects it was time to widen the circle. Mr. Wambaugh brings this story to life and for those of us who remember the newspaper, television stories he does a fine job in telling the story. this brought me back to the day when the made the arrest and most people everywhere in the L.A. area could not believe that this respected fire captain was the suspect let alone the actual person. This book will show you a look into the man and a look into his crimes and then the investigation. Overall a good book. I got this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at http://www.1rad-readerreviews.com (less)
Lived in Glendale CA when these fires were set. Knew several people who lost their homes during the College Hills fire. Glad John Orr is locked up!
Good book
Way too many details particularly during the trial. Became tedious. Thought it was Wambaugh’s worst book.
Okay the bottom line is this: Joseph Wambaugh is a great author and this is a great story! I really enjoyed this as I have enjoyed all of Mr. Wambaugh’s books. Joeseph Wambaugh inspired me to be a police officer and I have been a working cop through 2 departments and 35 years of service. This particular story involves an arsonist who shared the same occupation as several of the arsonists I have investigated over the years. This is an extremely interesting and ironic phenomenon. Buy this book you will enjoy it!
I felt the way the fire departments and inspectors worked was interesting. I learned a lot about them. The way the story is written is very engaging too. Wambaugh is an excellent author.
As a relatively new volunteer fire fighter, this provided an interesting insight into an insidious crime – arson. Wombaugh is a great story teller – this guy was one sick puppy to be a respected fire investigator and an arsonist.
This book was great until mid way through it when it just seemed to go on and on repeating much of the same story and the trial which I felt too much time was spent on it. I had a hard time finishing this book. Overall it was a ok.
I love Wambaugh! I recall the case when it was in trial as it takes places in So. California where I live. Didn’t matter that I knew the outcome……Wambaugh writes non fiction as a novel. Reader learns the insides and out of this person and how the crimes were committed. I thought I might flip pages, but no, I was
pulled in to the author’s style. I knew the end and still couldn’t put the book down!!!
Having seen the movie by Ron Howard I have to say that I liked the movie better.
Very interesting read. It was educational regarding how arson investigations are performed. It was very disturbing to see how a seemingly ordinary and respected man could turn into such a monster. The horrifying reality was that it is a true story!
I found the author’s police department psyche led to many presumptions for the actions of the policeman- wannabe.
Wambaugh is a great writer to get you out of the rut of not reading.
Crazy lead character a bit technical in places when surmising trial information but ideal for legal and reality minds!
Great book! Well written. Just disturbing that it’s a true story!
I enjoy reading this author, but the one shortcoming of this book was its overwhelming detail about each trial. A bit less on this aspect would have made it an even better read.
A compelling true tale, but it gets a bit bogged down toward the end with unnecessary detail. Still worth reading though.