Embers of Murder

California Wildfires have a long history of being started by humans. . . 

An arsonist and dry brush are a combustible combination. What if simply starting wildfires no longer brings the same thrill? Yes, the power of crackling fire and heat are exciting, but what if the arsonist could do more? Like ridding the dating pool of men that don't belong there anymore.

Enter Dr. Jill Quint, a forensic pathologist by training and licensed PI. She left the medical examiner's office to pursue her own winery but was called back by old colleagues to comment on cases. Those referrals expanded into a business where Jill offers second opinions on the cause of death. She also has her PI license and can be hired to investigate a suspicious death. Her friends assist her with cases by bringing their own skills like accounting, interviewing, and social media research. Nathan is her partner and a world-renowned wine label designer. An insurance adjusted who routinely investigates fires for insurance claims notices that lone men are found dead once a wildfire is put out. Is this coincidence or something more devious afoot? He calls a county medical examiner's office that is examining the latest victim. He wants to make sure that someone notices this pattern as the deaths occur in different State regions. Jill's former colleagues contend with a large bus fatality and don't have time to dig deeper into the insurance adjustor's comments. Instead, they hire Jill as a forensic pathologist and a PI. She finds evidence to support the idea that some of these cases are homicide, and she goes on the hunt for the killer. Are they looking for an arsonist or a murderer, or are they one and the same?

The wildfires continue across the state as the dry weather and endless brush present the usual opportunities for an arsonist. Jill's winery is surrounded by dry brush. Should she worry about the arsonist coming after her?