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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Loved loved loved
Wow this was so VERY detailed on the huge man hours that go into identifying a criminal & conviction. Fascinate
Vintage Wambaugh non-fiction. Well written. Realistic treatment of the differing perspectives of our two main badged and uniformed emergency services — fire fighters and police. A good read.
I read this book when it was first released and have never forgotten the story..
I enjoy Wambaugh’s books having read a few this one though took to long to get going & I think got bogged down with details too much. Lovers of trials would enjoy this i believe though
True story of an arsonist. Why do they do these things? Book explains some of the psychology. Interesting read.
As the daughter of a retired firefighter who grew up talking to so many firefighters and hearing their stories, this book lifts the hair on the back of my neck. That this man was undetected for so long is terrifying and frustrating.
The story always rings true but mostly when accounting the tension between police officers and firefighters. My father was a firefighter but his brother was a
police officer. This true story is highly recommended.
I’m a fan of Joseph Wambaugh and this book is a good one.
Not the best Wambaugh book I have read. In my opinion there was more time spent describing the ways and means of trials and not enough dialogue.
Another of Joseph Wambaugh’s great books! Outstanding true story about a serial arsonist. See if you can guess who it is when you’re about a third of the way through the book. A page-turner for sure, and a truly great read!!!
Interesting look into the mind of a fireman/inspector turned arsonist.
Began really well then kind of fizzled out
Not a typical Wambaugh work.
This book was very interesting to read. Hard to imagine that someone that was supposed to protect people was the one doing the damage. It’s unreal what people will do for a pat on the back. Very twisted person.
Great Wambaugh book. Had not read a book about a serial arsonist previouly and the insights povided by the author were startling and revealing. Would recommend if real crime drama is of interest.
This case reminds me of the current case against Robert Durst in the murder of Susan Berman. The clues were there, the circumstances were there, the evidence was there — but it unfortunately took years to draw all the threads together.
Not Wambaugh at his bes. Too much is dedicated to quoting legal transcripts as well as verbatim sections of interviews. Felt like he was going through the motions.
Everyone knows Joseph Wambaugh is a fantastic fiction writer but this true story of purposely-set horrific fires proves he can swing both ways.
Bravo, Joe!